The Cannes Film Festival broadens its horizons by welcoming films from previously unexplored territories. Rungano Nyoni 'sOn Becoming a Guinea Fowl , a comedy-drama between Zambia and Guinea, marks a historic first for both countries in the Un Certain Regard selection.
Rungano Nyoni, born in Zambia and raised in Wales, is known for her unique style that blends realism with elements of fable. Her filmography includes I Am Not a Witch (2017), which received international acclaim for its bold exploration of superstition and witchcraft in Zambia, earning her several prestigious awards and nominations.
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl seems to continue in the vein of Rungano Nyoni's previous work, using elements of satire and symbolism to comment on social and cultural issues. The title itself suggests transformation or metamorphosis, themes often explored in African tales and myths. The film promises to offer a fresh look at human and gender relations in Zambia and Guinea.
Thierry Frémaux declared:"Rungano Nyoni, you know her name, she was on the jury last year. Her film came to us very late, it's the first entry in the history of the Cannes Festival, as it is forSaudi Arabia, Zambia and Guinea since it's a film between the two countries and the film is called On Becoming a Guinea Fowl and it's a family comedy-drama that's quite strong and quite unprecedented for us who aren't from those countries to see a filmmaker telling us what human relationships and female/male relationships are like in those countries."
Cannes Festival 2025: The latest news and information about the 78th edition
The Cannes Film Festival returns to the Croisette for its 78th edition from May 13 to 24, 2025. Click here for all the latest news and information! [Read more]
Discover the official selection for the 78th Cannes Film Festival, held on the Croisette from May 13 to 24, 2025. [Read more]
The Un Certain Regard selection for the 2025 Cannes Film Festival includes 16 films, just unveiled on April 10 by Thierry Frémaux. [Read more]
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Cannes Festival 2025: The latest news and information about the 78th edition
Cannes Festival 2025: Films in the Official Selection
Cannes Festival 2025: Films in the Un Certain Regard selection
