Vogue: How did you get involved in the project?
What was your first impression of Shula when you read the script?
Well, there wasnt really a script prior to the audition.
Photo: Jed Cullen/Dave Benett/Getty Images for British Vogue
Runganos process is not the usual one that Ive seen going forward.
What kind of questions did she ask?
Personal questions about yourself?
Susan Chardy as Shula inOn Becoming a Guinea Fowl, in theaters now
It was mainly questions about my background, my connection to Zambia, and my family still there.
This was all with the casting director, who filmed it for Rungano to watch later.
She clearly recognized what she needed to see to get to decide that I was the right fit.
Director Rungano Nyoni
But I dont know what that thing was specifically.
Director Rungano Nyoni
So how did you eventually learn what the movie was about?
They were told the context of the improv, but I wasnt told what it was about.
Susan Chardy and Elizabeth Chisela inOn Becoming a Guinea Fowl
It was like putting me in deep water and seeing how it goes.
Thats when I got to know what the film was about.
The story transcends beyond its cultural attachment to Zambia.
Its important to portray these journeys and how these women dealt with traumas in different ways.
In the movie, guinea fowls are described as birds that make noise to alert others of predators.
Do you have a sense of how conversations around sexual violence have evolved in Zambia?
Has there been a movement similar to #MeToo there?
I hopeOn Becoming a Guinea Fowlis a catalyst in further breaking the silence in Zambia.
Shula seems to be returning to her family from outside the country, possibly the UK.
Much of my why in life comes from Zambia and my family there, particularly on my mums side.
Returning was truly special, and in many ways, it mirrored Shulas journey.
I could relate to that a lot, especially when I reimmersed myself in the culture during production.
Did you create a backstory for her?
For me, it was about focusing on the young Shula and protecting that young version of her.
That was at the forefront.
I drew on my own experiences and those of my close family members.
Some stories were beautiful, while others were less pleasant, but the mix informed my preparation.
At what point did you realize the film would use humor?
Did Rungano discuss its overall tone with you?
The moment I realized how darkly funny it was came during our rehearsals and improv.
Nsansa, played by Elizabeth, is incredibly funny.
Her humor was so infectious, though, that you couldnt help but laugh.
You dont have a choice, and its because Nsansa gets you to that level.
The humor kind of makes the pill a bit easier to swallow, too, doesnt it?
As humans, were not good at that, let alone in these situations of inexpressible trauma.
How did the Missy Elliott costume come to be in the opening scene?
That also really helps establish the mood.
I had the same question.
It was fun to wear, but it was hot as hell.
I literally had to have five peoples hands under my suit with a fan every time they said cut.
I asked Rungano myself, but she said she just likes Missy Elliot.
Maybe theres something secret in there as to why she wanted to nod to Missy.
Not everybody got the reference [during filming].
Even after theyd watched the film, they just thought it was a cool costume.
But the people in the know, they knew.
Now that youre done with this first feature, whats next?
What kind of career do you envision for yourself going forward?
I envision action films, drama, of course, and a rom-com here and there.
Variety is what Im looking for.
I feel like her films have an important place in society.
I also recently watchedBlink Twiceand loved Zoe Kravitzs directorial debut.
