The Story⚡
Experience Rungano Nyoni’s critically acclaimed feature film, opening the S16 Film Festival
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The highly anticipated S16 Film Festival is slated to take place from December 10 to 13 at the XVI Technologic, Alliance Francais, located at 9 Osborne Road, Ikoyi.
The four-day festival promises to deliver an exceptional cinematic experience, showcasing a diverse range of local and international films. The event will also feature industry panels, workshops, and networking opportunities for filmmakers and enthusiasts.
Rungano Nyoni’s critically acclaimed feature film, “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,” has been selected as the opening film, setting the tone for an exciting lineup of screenings.
Film enthusiasts and industry professionals are invited to attend the festival, which aims to promote cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and cinematic excellence.
On Becoming A Guinea Fowl, directed by Rungano Nyoni, competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on 16 May 2024.
The featured plot reads: 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.
The cast includes Susan Chardy, Roy Chisha, Blessings Bhamjee, Chungu Bwalya, Maggie Mulubwa, Benson Mumba, Henry B.J. Phiri, Elizabeth Chisela, Doris Naulapwa, Mary Mulabo, Norah Mwansa and many others.
The film is set for release in the United States on 13th December 2024.
Hanami by Denise Fernandes is scheduled as the closing film for the 2024 S16 Film Festival.
“On a volcanic isle, Nana stays while others leave. Her ill mother Nia left after Nana’s birth. Sent to the volcano’s base for fever treatment, Nana encounters a dream-reality world. Years later, teenager Nana reunites with returning Nia”.
Starring Yuta Nakano, Alice Da Luz, Sanaya Andrade, Nha Nha Rodrigues, Daílma Mendes and many others.
Its official release date in the United States is set for October 22, 2024.
Tangent
Surreal 16 Collective is a Nigerian-based independent filmmaking group, founded by filmmakers Abba T. Makama, C.J. Obasi, and Michael Omonua. The collective aims to create films that challenge mainstream Nollywood conventions and explore unconventional narratives, often blending surrealism, experimentation, and personal expression.
The Surreal16 Collective’s manifesto comprises 16 governing rules—an attempt to topple traditional Neo-Nollywood filmmakers’ glossy, generic entertainment and perfunctory style. Surreal 16 Collective is known for the production of short films.
S16 Film Festival will return for its fourth edition from December 5 to December 8, 2024. On Becoming A Guinea Fowl by Rungano Nyoni is the opening film, while Hanami by Denise Fernandes will be screened as the closing film at the festival.
Key Background
Rungano Nyoni is a Zambian-Welsh director, screenwriter and actress. She was born in Lusaka, Zambia, and raised in Wales, Nyoni has drawn on her diverse cultural background to create stories that explore complex themes of identity, tradition, and societal norms.
She is known for the film I Am Not a Witch, which she wrote and directed. The film won Nyoni the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut in 2018 and has also garnered accolades from international film festivals. Her 2009 film, The List, won the Welsh BAFTA Award for Best Short Film.
In 2024, Nyoni unveils her new short film On Becoming A Guinea Fowl.
In Summary
Rungano Nyoni’s On Becoming A Guinea Fowl promises to be a standout at this year’s S16 Film Festival, captivating audiences with its originality and emotional depth.
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