Susan Chardy’s portrayal of Shula in On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (A24 ) is nothing short of extraordinary. In her debut role, she brings to life a character caught between personal trauma and family secrets, delivering a performance that is both nuanced and deeply affecting. Guided by the sensitive direction of Rungano Nyoni, Susan Chardy reveals how Shula’s story challenges cultural traditions while empowering women to break the silence. In this interview, Susan reflects on her creative process, the symbolic storytelling, and the universal themes that make this film both timely and timeless.
1. Susan, your portrayal of Shula in On Becoming a Guinea Fowl has been widely praised. How did you approach embodying such a complex character who is caught between personal trauma and the secrets of her family?
Thank you! For me, it was vital to portray Shula with as much authenticity and honesty as possible. It felt like the only way to convey the complexity and depth required of her character. I drew on my own life experiences that resonated with what Shula was going through, while also focusing closely on her age at the time of the trauma. At the heart of it all was that young girl, and she became the focal point of my performance.
2. Rungano Nyoni’s direction often navigates the intricate layers of human experience and societal critique. What was it like working under her guidance, especially on a story that resonates deeply within the Zambian cultural context?
Rungano is not only incredibly talented but also a truly wonderful person to work with. It was both important and essential that this story, deeply rooted in a Zambian perspective, was told by a Zambian, with Zambians, ensuring it remained authentic to the culture while navigating the film’s delicate subject matter. Rungano handled this beautifully, with immense thoughtfulness and sensitivity.
She was incredibly protective of us as creatives, providing the space and trust we needed to bring our performances to life and, at times, collaborating with us in the process. As this was my first time on a film set, I found it fascinating to watch her direct. Her approach was anything but one-size-fits-all—she tailored her communication to each individual, connecting with them in a way that was unique to their character and needs.
What I admired most was her ability to make everyone feel seen and valued, no matter the size of their role, both in front of and behind the camera. It’s a quality I deeply respect and love about her.
3. The film has been celebrated for its striking and nuanced storytelling. How do you feel Shula’s story reflects or challenges traditional perceptions of Zambian women in film and media?
I believe Shula’s story helps to shift the narrative. It demonstrates that, while she shows respect for her elders and culture, and even conforms to what is expected of her—selflessly setting aside her own reasons for her behaviour surrounding this family death—she still finds the courage to speak up and break the silence. The story shows that it is possible to respect cultural traditions while also challenging them when they overstep personal boundaries.
For me, the film carries a strong sense of power and sisterhood, and I love that Shula offers hope for future generations of women to follow. Whether or not viewers will share my perspective once they see the ending, I feel the story leaves me with a profound sense of hope and empowerment.
4. Working with a powerhouse team, including Element Pictures and a Cannes premiere, is a monumental debut. How has this experience shaped your vision for future projects or the kinds of stories you hope to tell?
This entire experience has been nothing short of extraordinary! Even more remarkable is how the film has been received on such prestigious platforms, including Cannes. I feel deeply honoured and immensely proud to call this my debut. It certainly sets a high bar for future projects, but it hasn’t changed my approach to choosing future roles.
While the idea of working with more industry powerhouses is exciting, I believe it’s essential to choose projects that resonate with you personally—stories that ignite a passion or compel you to shout about them. At the same time, it’s equally important to consider your own mental health and what you feel capable of taking on.
I love variety, so I know the future will hold a mix of different and compelling stories for me, and I couldn’t be more excited.
5. Shula’s story begins with a moment of sudden discovery on an empty road. How did the visual and symbolic elements of the film help you dive into her psyche and bring her journey to life on screen?
There were so many powerful scenes in the film that truly helped me bring Shula’s journey to life. I was able to interpret the symbolic elements in my own way and connect them to Shula’s memories, fears, and questions. It’s one thing to read something on paper or explore it in rehearsal, but when the camera starts rolling and I am fully immersed in the scene—when I visually see that body—it all becomes amplified and more deeply felt.
I thrive on allowing the scenes to affect me and guide my performance, as I love the process of discovery and the freedom of improvisation. It’s in those moments that the character feels most alive to me.
6. The Guardian has praised you as an “excellent actor” following the film’s premiere at Cannes. With this early acclaim, how do you envision the impact of *On Becoming a Guinea Fowl* on your career and future roles?
Oh my goodness, this film is something that will stay with me forever! I learned so much on set and truly expanded my toolkit. It was incredible to push myself into spaces I, as Susan, wouldn’t normally venture, in order to fully embody Shula. This experience has undoubtedly enriched my career, as it allowed me to grow both as an actor and as a person.
When it comes to future roles, I feel I have so much more to give, and I’m excited to dive into something new that will continue to challenge me. I’m eager to keep honing my craft and expanding my skill set.
7. What do you hope audiences will take away from Shula’s story, particularly regarding the cultural and familial pressures depicted in the film? Do you feel there’s a universal message in her experience?
Although this film is rooted in Zambian culture, its themes are entirely universal. It’s an important film not just for women, but for men too. I’ve found the male response to the film fascinating, and as one male audience member pointed out, it’s the men who need to be part of the conversation—and ultimately, the change.
I hope that viewers take away a sense of hope and the strength to find the courage within themselves to speak up, whether it’s for their own sake or for someone else. We don’t choose our families, and we can’t control how they lived before us, but we can contribute to shaping the future for the next generation, through love and the power of our voices.
Team:
Photographer: David Reiss
Styling: Miranda Almond
Hair: Deborah Lola
Make-up: Maria Asadi
Clothing:
Black and white co-ord:
Black and white knitted tank top and matching skirt by BALMAIN, black and white loafers by RUSSELL and BROMLEY, Gold heart earrings Vintage White tank top and leather skirt:
White tank body by COMMANDO, Vegan leather high waisted skirt by NORMA KAMALI, black heels MANOLO BLAHNIK, Gold Hoops by Mejuri
