Zambian-Welsh writer-director Rungano Nyoni's highly anticipated second feature film, 'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,' has been acquired by A24 for international sales. The film is set to make its world premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival next month. Following the success of her acclaimed 2017 debut 'I Am Not a Witch,' Nyoni's latest project is produced by Fremantle's Element Pictures and has received support from BBC Film.
'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl' is one of three films from Element Pictures featured in the official selection of the Cannes Film Festival. The movie will be showcased in the Un Certain Regard sidebar competition. While specific details about the plot have been kept confidential, Cannes director Thierry Fremaux has described the film as a 'family drama' set in Africa with elements of comedy, emphasizing its strength.
Nyoni's debut film, 'I Am Not a Witch,' made a significant impact when it premiered at Cannes' Directors' Fortnight. The darkly comic narrative, inspired by real witchcraft accusations in Zambia, garnered critical acclaim and multiple accolades. The film won the BAFTA for outstanding debut by a British writer, director, or producer, and received 10 nominations along with three wins at the British Independent Film Awards. It was also the United Kingdom's submission for the 2019 Academy Awards.
Reviewing 'I Am Not a Witch,' Variety's Jessica Kiang praised Nyoni's exploration of themes such as the contrasts between ancient and modern, familiar and alien, and prosaic and mystical. Kiang noted Nyoni's distinct voice and expressed anticipation for the filmmaker's future projects, acknowledging the depth of storytelling evident in her debut.
Having previously served on the feature film jury at Cannes, Nyoni's presence at the festival has been notable. With 'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl' poised for its premiere at Cannes, audiences and critics alike eagerly await the next chapter in Nyoni's promising career.
