How On Becoming a Guinea Fowl Took 2024 by Storm: Tsitsi Dangarembga Shares Insights

2024 has been a transformative year for the film industry, according to renowned Zimbabwean film producer and director Tsitsi Dangarembga. The year has seen a wave of changes, with new narratives emerging and African cinema gaining much-needed global recognition. Among the standout successes of this year is the film On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, which has not only garnered significant critical acclaim but also won multiple prestigious awards across various international film festivals.

Directed by Rungano Nyoni, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a black comedy drama that addresses pressing social issues, including drug and substance abuse. The film, co-produced across Zambia, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, stars Zambian actors Susan Chardy, Elizabeth Chisela, and Henry B J Phiri. It has won five awards and received 13 nominations from major film festivals, including the British Independent Film Awards, Chicago International Film Festival, Denver Film Festival, Cannes Film Festival, and Melbourne International Film Festival.

The story of On Becoming a Guinea Fowl follows Shula, who, in the dead of night, stumbles upon the body of her uncle. As the funeral proceedings unfold, Shula and her cousins uncover buried family secrets that disrupt the calm of their middle-class Zambian family. The film tackles themes of toxic cultural habits, drug and substance abuse, and the discrepancies in the execution of law, particularly human rights issues.

Since its premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the film has gained international traction, screening at both the Toronto International Film Festival and the New York Film Festival. Dangarembga, who also helms the International Images for Women Film Festival (IIFF), lauded the film for its global reach and its impact on African cinema.

Dangarembga noted that 2024 marked a year of notable growth in the film industry, with a multiplicity of film festivals indicating a thriving landscape. The success of On Becoming a Guinea Fowl at these festivals is seen as a testament to the potential of African films to compete on the world stage, despite often working with limited resources.

In addition to the film’s success, Dangarembga emphasized the need for African filmmakers to address global demands while staying rooted in local contexts. She pointed out that scriptwriters and directors need to think globally while maintaining their unique cultural insights. This approach, she believes, is key to attracting funding and securing international markets.

Despite these challenges, Dangarembga highlighted that Zimbabwean films have proven that success is possible with minimal resources. She pointed to On Becoming a Guinea Fowl as an example, noting how its compelling story, stellar performances, and technical excellence have helped the film win numerous awards across various disciplines, from cinematography to sound design.

Reflecting on the recently launched National Film Strategy, Dangarembga stressed the importance of educating stakeholders in the industry on how to effectively use the blueprint to attract sponsorship and funding. She acknowledged that 2024 has been a landmark year for Zimbabwean filmmakers, with several international awards and the successful hosting of various film festivals, including the IIFF, the European Film Festival, and the National Arts Merit Awards Film Festival.

Dangarembga concluded by celebrating the widespread recognition of On Becoming a Guinea Fowl and its screening at the IIFF’s closing ceremony, held at the Harare National Arts Gallery. The success of the film underscores the growing influence of African cinema and the potential for further global recognition.