Personal details
Born:
- Birthday: 1982-05-17
- Born Place: Lusaka, Zambia
Rungano Nyoni
Rungano Nyoni is a Zambian-Welsh filmmaker, screenwriter, and actress renowned for her distinctive storytelling that blends surrealism, satire, and social commentary. Born in Lusaka, Zambia, Nyoni moved to Wales at the age of nine. She studied at the University of the Arts London and graduated with an MA in Screen: Acting from Central Saint Martins in 2009. Initially aspiring to be an actress, Nyoni transitioned into directing and writing, teaching herself the craft. Her early works include the short films The List (2010), which won a BAFTA Cymru Award, and Mwansa the Great (2011), which was selected for over 100 international film festivals and nominated for a BAFTA. In 2014, her short film Listen (Kuuntele) won the Best Short Narrative Prize at the Tribeca Film Festival. Nyoni's debut feature film, I Am Not a Witch (2017), premiered at the Cannes Directors' Fortnight and won the BAFTA for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer. Her second feature, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (2024), premiered at the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section, where she won the Best Director award (Ex-aequo). In 2021, Nyoni was awarded the CHANEL Next Prize, recognizing her as a pioneering filmmaker who brings humanity, nuance, and wit to her films. Nyoni's work continues to explore complex themes such as societal norms, gender, and identity, often set against the backdrop of her Zambian heritage. Her films are celebrated for their unique visual style and compelling narratives that challenge audiences to reflect on contemporary African societies.
