The Zambian Sensibility of "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl"
Briefly

Rungano Nyoni's film, 'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,' showcases the complexities of Zambian identity through a blend of cultural aesthetics. While the film is designed for a global audience, the director highlights a deep, intrinsic sense of Zambianness that may resonate differently with local viewers. The film's exploration of identity, informed by Zambia's diverse tribal heritage, reflects on the nuances of cultural representation in a globalized film market. Nyoni’s work encourages a contemplation of the shared and unique experiences within Zambia's rich tapestry of cultures.
"What does it mean to be Zambian? It's a tricky question... Zambians come from upward of seventy tribes; we do the nightly news in seven languages, plus English."
"When I first went to see 'On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,'... It made me want to take each person there aside, replay the film scene by scene, and say, 'There. Did you catch that? That's so Zambian!'"
Read at The New Yorker
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