I Am Not a Witch

Director: Rungano Nyoni
Screenwriters: Rungano Nyoni

Institute History

  • 2018 Sundance Film Festival

Description

A wholly remarkable first feature that debuted to rapturous applause in the Cannes Film Festival's Directors’ Fortnight, I Am Not a Witch has played several major world festivals on its way to Utah audiences.

After nine-year-old Shula is accused of being a witch by her fellow villagers, she is ushered to the state authorities for judgment, whereupon she is immediately declared guilty and unceremoniously sentenced to exile in a camp for witches of all ages. Upon arrival, she is tied to a long, white ribbon connected to a large coil whose removal, she is told, will transform her into a goat. Just like Shula, the camp denizens have been scapegoated and gathered together, occasionally expected to perform miracles.

Writer/director Rungano Nyongi’s deft directorial instincts unfurl this tale of interconnected vignettes in true mythological fashion, pointedly and with playful vigor. Gorgeously photographed and performed with resolute confidence, Nyongi's astounding work layers satire and social critique into a richly textured and refreshing take on institutional subjugation, and the film resonates with earth-shattering power.

— L.Z.

Screening Details

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