The Opening Night of the S16 Film Festival

courtesy: S16 Film Festival 

The opening night of the S16 Film Festival was one to remember - a lovely night. The cool cats of Nollywood turned out in their numbers, especially for the screening of the opening film, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, a surreal thriller laced with comedic overtones, directed by Zambian-Welsh filmmaker, Rungano Nyoni.

Before the screening began, the audience were treated to a variety of nice cocktails and some good finger foods. The DJ flowed with ease as she swayed the atmosphere and audience alike with wonderful fusions of afrobeats and jazz music.

courtesy: S16 Film Festival 

Abba T. Makama, a co-founder of the S16 Film Festival, warmly welcomed the audience and gave a vote of thanks to the sponsors as well.

Soon it was time to see On Becoming a Guinea Fowl. The hall seats were filled up; even those of us who came early couldn't find chairs. People already seated were keeping seats for their friends - normal Naija way. But thank God for the stairs…

The sensational songbird, Falana, gave a rousing rendition of the popular happy birthday song to mark the birthday of Papa Omotayo.

courtesy: S16 Film Festival 

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl started out as a slow-burner, though it didn't hesitate to quickly set up the inciting incident — right from the first scene. The lead character, Shula played by Susan Chardy, glides frantically yet gracefully throughout the story with a contemplative mien. 

Her icy exterior gradually gives way as the story wears on and wears her out, till she breaks down eventually in a catharsis of guilt-tripped emotions. 

courtesy: S16 Film Festival 

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is heavily nuanced. Shula’s measured and sometimes frenetic drive through the story serves as a windshield view into the emotional blackmail and sexual abuse-laden dynamics of her family. As the rest of her family try to make sense of the death of her uncle, Fred (Roy Chisha) in the same vein knowing he had it coming.

Shula's sidekick, Nsansa (Elizabeth Chisela) is almost Captain Jack Sparrow-esque; divulging the truth one drop and gulp of Dutch courage at a time. 

The final frame of the film leaves you in surreal thoughts, wondering how come we never knew guinea fowls were this symbolic.

It was a great way to cap it all off for the night — leaving us with our thinking caps on.

Great film. Great Festival.

👌✨Ping!!!