On Becoming a Guinea Fowl: A Powerful Zambian Parable
- Rungano Nyoni, following her acclaimed 2017 satire “I Am Not a Witch,” presents another incisive parable set in Zambia.
- the film also features flashbacks to a "Sesame Street"-like children’s show explaining the guinea fowl, a bird species native to Africa.
- Nyoni's embrace of the absurd, coupled with symbolic references and traditional rituals, highlights her storytelling prowess.
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl: A Biting Parable of Trauma and Tradition
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Rungano Nyoni, following her acclaimed 2017 satire “I Am Not a Witch,” presents another incisive parable set in Zambia. Nyoni fearlessly incorporates surreal moments to emphasize character states and elevate plot points. Expect dream sequences and blurred perceptions, with dark humor subtly woven into the dialog.
the film also features flashbacks to a “Sesame Street”-like children’s show explaining the guinea fowl, a bird species native to Africa. These clips, though unexpected, provide context for those unfamiliar with the animal.
Nyoni’s embrace of the absurd, coupled with symbolic references and traditional rituals, highlights her storytelling prowess. This work earned her the Un Certain Regard — Best director award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, shared with Roberto Minervini for “The damned.”
A Surrealistic Beginning
“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” opens with an absurdist scene.Shula (Susan Chardy) drives down a dark highway, discovering her Uncle Fred’s body on the roadside. No foul play is evident; he appears to have died of natural causes.
The sequence gains surreal impact from Shula’s attire: the inflatable black patent-leather suit and sunglasses mask worn by missy Elliott in the “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)” music video. The fisheye lens, reminiscent of Hype Williams’s short film, amplifies the outfit’s effect, resembling a “gigantic Hefty garbage bag.”
Shula, coming from a costume party, remains in costume as police instruct her to stay with the body until morning.She informs her family, initiating a traditional, days-long funeral.
Unearthing Family Secrets
Conversations with cousins Nsansa (Elizabeth Chisela) and Bupe (Esther Singini) reveal a shared secret: they all suffered abuse from Uncle Fred. Fred’s young widow receives no support, blamed for not mourning fervently enough.
Shula, portrayed subtly by Chardy, shares compelling scenes with Chisela and Singini. Each grapples with trauma differently, contrasting with the aunties’ loud reverence for Uncle Fred during funeral rituals. They engage in a silent competition of mourning.
The film focuses on women aware of Fred’s actions, yet they suppressed it. Now, they avoid dredging up the past or considering the younger generation’s suffering.As Faulkner wrote, “the past is never dead. it’s not even past.”
This refusal to hold Uncle Fred accountable is both infuriating and complex. The film explores whether anyone will break this cycle.
The Warning of the Guinea fowl
The children’s program explains that guinea fowl warn of nearby predators. “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” concludes with the action described in its title, leaving viewers with much to contemplate. this heartbreaking film is a “stunner that’s not easily shaken.”
film Details
ON BECOMING A GUINEA FOWL
Written and directed by Rungano Nyoni. Starring Susan Chardy, Elizabeth Chisela, Esther Singini. At the Coolidge. 119 minutes. PG-13 (themes of sexual abuse, profanity)
on Becoming a Guinea Fowl: Q&A on Trauma, tradition, and Zambian Cinema
this article explores Rungano Nyoni’s thought-provoking film, “On Becoming a guinea Fowl,” through a Q&A format, delving into its themes, symbolism, and artistic choices.
General Questions About the Film
What is “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” about?
“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” is a surrealistic drama set in Zambia that tackles themes of grief, family secrets, and sexual abuse.The story centers around Shula, who discovers her Uncle Fred’s body and, in the ensuing traditional funeral, unearths a shared history of abuse among her cousins. The film explores how these women grapple with past trauma and the complexities of tradition.
who directed “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl?”
The film was written and directed by Rungano Nyoni, a Zambian-Welsh filmmaker known for her unique storytelling style. She also directed the acclaimed 2017 satire “I Am Not a Witch.”
what are the main themes explored in “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl?”
Trauma and Abuse: The film delves into the long-lasting effects of sexual abuse on the lives of the main characters.
Family Secrets: It examines how families suppress and avoid confronting uncomfortable truths.
Tradition vs. Modernity: The film contrasts traditional Zambian funeral rituals with the characters’ internal struggles and modern perspectives.
Female Relationships: the complex dynamics between the female cousins, their shared history, and their differing coping mechanisms are central too the narrative.
Where was “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” filmed?
The film is set and presumably filmed in Zambia, the native country of the director, Rungano Nyoni.
What is the meaning of the title “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl?”
The title refers to the symbolic use of guinea fowl as a warning of nearby predators. The film suggests that the characters are in a situation where they need to be aware of danger, perhaps indicative of the cycle of abuse and suppression