Rungano Nyoni’s 'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl' Earns Critical Acclaim for Its Bold Storytelling

The Zambian filmmaker's second feature explores trauma, silence, and resilience within a surreal and haunting narrative.

The film, distributed by A24, follows Shula, a woman returning to her Zambian hometown, as she confronts generational trauma tied to her abusive uncle's death.
Critics praise Nyoni's blend of surrealism and realism, using symbolic imagery like the guinea fowl to represent collective strength and resistance.
The story examines societal complicity in covering up abuse, with Shula and her cousins breaking the silence surrounding their shared experiences.
Nyoni balances dark humor and poignant drama, with moments of absurdity highlighting the tension between tradition and personal healing.
The film premiered at Cannes, where Nyoni won the Un Certain Regard directing prize, solidifying her as a leading voice in contemporary African cinema.