Synopsis

On an empty road in the middle of the night, Shula stumbles across the body of her uncle. As funeral proceedings begin around them, she and her cousins bring to light the buried secrets of their middle class Zambian family, in filmmaker Rungano Nyoni’s surreal and vibrant reckoning with the lies we tell ourselves.

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is 1 hour 39 minutes long and is in English and Bemba with English subtitles. This film rated PG-13.

Note: Photos and synopsis courtesy of A24 Films, US Distributor of On Becoming a Guinea Fowl.

Trailer

Reviews

“…a keening black comedy with sparks of magical realism and folktale.” Washington Post — Ty Burr

“Rungano Nyoni’s “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” is a surreal and emotional journey through one family’s pent-up trauma.” RogerEbert.com — Monica Castillo

“Had “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” been conceived purely as a drama of unearthed memories, unhealed trauma, and thwarted accountability, it would cut to the bone.” The New Yorker — Justin Chang

Awards & Festivals

202 British Independent Film Awards

• Winner — Breakthrough Performance (Susan Chardy)
• Winner — Best Director (Rungano Nyoni)

2024 Cannes Film Festival

• Winner — Un Certain Regard Reward for Best Director (Rungano Nyoni)

2024 Chicago International Film Festival

• Winner — Silver Hugo for Best Ensemble Cast Performance (Rungano Nyoni)