Female Filmmaker Friday: Rungano Nyoni, Writer and Director of "I Am Not a Witch"


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"She [has] an inner quiet that slowly gains strength, and for me that felt more realistic. And for those of us who find it difficult to be overtly strong and outspoken [she's] that quiet hero."

Rungano Nyoni is a Zambian-Welsh director and writer. Born in Zambia, Nyoni moved to Wales at the age of nine. She studied film at the University of the Arts in London where she made several short films.

Her first feature debut came at the 2017 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. The film, I Am Not a Witch, won Best Director. She also earned Best Director for a First Film at the 20th British Independent Film Awards in 2017. In 2018, I Am Not a Witch won a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut.

Rungano Nyoni is sure to be a filmmaker to watch in years to come. Her take on young girls, introverts and their "quiet strength" are important elements of her stories.

Be sure to listen to this interview with Nyoni about her film I Am Not a Witch.