In the movie, Guinea birds are described as birds, making noise alert to others to predators. Do you have a feeling about the conversation about sexual violence in Zambia? Is there any action similar to #MeToo?
There is no #MeToo movement directly in Zambia, but I do feel that conversations around sexual violence are becoming increasingly taboo. I believe social media and movies help amplify sounds globally, and Zambians can access all sounds over the internet. It opened the eyes of the younger generation and began to encourage them to speak out for themselves and each other. While doing the seminar Become a guinea pigI heard of an X account called “Believe in Us Zambia” where people can share stories and abusers anonymously. Although unlike #MeToo we know here, I do think it’s a brave step in that direction. I hope Become a guinea pig It is the catalyst to further break Zambia’s silence.
Shula appears to be returning to her family from outside the country (probably the UK). Since you were born in Zambia but now living in London, does this movie look like a homecoming to you?
Oh, absolutely. Every year, I try to go to Zambia because it connects me with my identity and purpose – the “why” of my “why” life comes from Zambia and my family, especially with my mom. Return is really special, and in many ways it reflects Shula’s journey. She went through this back and forth, taking part in Zoom calls from people from Europe and around the world, and where she came from completely different places. I can relate to it, especially when I get back into culture during production. Once I arrived, I had to play a role, interact with my aunt, observe behavior, and experience a completely different daily life than I knew in England.
Given that the film is so focused on the present and we don’t know much about Shula, how did you capture her inner life? Did you create a backstory for her?
For me, it’s about focusing on young Shula and protecting her younger version. That’s the cutting-edge. I didn’t spend a lot of time preparing for the backstory or anything, but I just felt the most important thing was authenticity. I draw on my own experience and the experience of my close family. I also talk to my youngest sisters, especially the youngest, anywhere they have never lived except Zambia. I was too young to attend the funeral in Zambia before leaving, but my other sisters were in that moment. It’s fascinating to get their perspective and understand how they perceive the funeral, which is very different from what my grandma had experienced with them. Some stories are beautiful, others are not very pleasant, but the mix tells me my preparation. Finding the right balance between respecting family and family traditions is important, but also being true to who Shula is and Find her voice within that frame.
