Susan Chardy On What To Expect From On Becoming A Guinea Fowl

Zambian-English model and philanthropist Susan Chardy shines in her debut role as Shula in On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, a new black comedy-drama delving into funeral traditions in Zambia after the death of Shula’s uncle. Written and directed by Zambian-Welsh talent Ryngano Nyoni and debuting at Cannes earlier this year (bagging Best Director in the Un Certain Regard category), we sat down with Susan to hear all about the film.

Interview: Susan Chardy

Hi Susan, how’s life going at the moment?

Hey, life is fantastic right now! I’ve just been nominated for a BIFA in both the Breakthrough Performer and Best Lead Performance categories, with On Becoming A Guinea Fowl racking up an impressive total of seven nominations. It’s surreal — I feel like I’m floating, yet so energised at the same time. I’m incredibly grateful for this recognition.

Can you give us an elevator pitch for the film?

It’s a film that invites you to dig for your own answers and, in many ways, lets you write your own ending. You’ll laugh with us, cry with us, and feel enraged with us, but you’ll also be encouraged to find your own hope and strength — and to be brave when you need it most.

How did the role come about? And how did you feel when you got the role?

My agent at the time, Vicki, called me and said, ‘Isabella Odoffin is casting for a film by Rungano Nyoni, and she wants to meet you.’ I looked them both up immediately, and the idea of working with them had me excited from the start. The audition process was a meeting with Isabella, followed by a video call with Rungano where we’d dive into some improv.

The call with Rungano turned out to be a complete surprise — not only was she there, but four aunties joined, too! They really threw me in the deep end, but I managed to swim — and got the role! Hearing the news that I had got the role was a mix of exhilaration (I can still feel it in the pit of my stomach) and the sudden realisation of the logistics. Shooting for months in Zambia with a two-year-old son meant figuring out a lot, especially since my husband was on tour and couldn’t travel. But where there’s a will there’s a way — and a best friend like Sal who came along to watch my son — we made it work. Love you, Sal!

Susan Chardy in On Becoming A Guinea Fowl (A24)

You play Shula – how would you describe her?

Shula is the pillar of her family — a strong, resilient, and respectful presence. She doesn’t say much; instead, she’s a fixer and a doer, someone who acts with compassion and is always looking for ways to set things right. I see her as a protector, a true mother hen, a role she’s embraced since she was young. It’s where she finds her strength and the foundation of her character.

What was it like playing her?

I loved playing Shula. She’s far more complex and layered than I am — not to mention a lot less outspoken than me. It was wonderful to inhabit that space of quiet observation and deep introspection as she navigates her journey towards self-discovery. Living in her world, where everything is processed internally, was truly a unique experience.

How did you get into character?

I drew from my own life experiences that Shula could relate to and took what I needed from the script to bring her to life. I also shaped certain aspects of Shula during our improvisational rehearsals with Rungano. These sessions really helped to shine a light on how Shula would respond to different situations, and she often surprised me in the process — I loved that about her.

Did you do anything special to prepare for the role?

To prepare, I spoke with my younger sister and grandmother to better understand Zambian funerals, traditions and the cultural nuances that might shape Shula’s experience. My grandmother gave me insights into traditional practices, while my sister’s perspective felt closer to what Shula would encounter. I didn’t have long to prepare but I knew I needed to fully immerse myself in our culture from the moment I landed back in Zambia — allowing it to lead, teach, and affect me.

For the larger scenes, like the funeral, I wanted to save an element of surprise for myself. It was rewarding to discover the details in real time as we shot, and to let that discovery become part of Shula’s journey.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

Listening to the aunties rehearse their songs was such a beautiful experience; their voices brought back memories of my mum, who sadly passed away in 2017.

Wearing the Missy suit was another memorable moment — I don’t know when I’ll ever rock something like that again!

One of the funniest scenes was in the car with Elizabeth, where she’s looking for ‘something’ to cover up the body. Let’s just say that when she finally put that ‘something’ on me, it took everything I had not to burst out laughing — no spoilers, but I literally couldn’t stop laughing!

Any standout locations that were used for filming?

We didn’t shoot in many locations, as most of the scenes were set at Shula’s mother’s house. I especially loved the nights we filmed outside, with charcoal fires burning. The night air, the sound of crickets, and the smell of the fire instantly brought back memories of visiting my grandmother in the village when I was younger. It felt like a homecoming in some ways.

Susan Chardy in On Becoming A Guinea Fowl (A24)

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I’m currently in discussions with my agent and weighing up some potential exciting opportunities. I’m thankful to be in this position but can’t share any further details just yet. Stay tuned!

What’s your dream role?

Choosing a dream role is tough because so many performances leave an impression. I’ve always thought Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games would be a great character to play and Jennifer Lawrence smashed it. I also would have loved to play General Nanisca in The Woman King, but since Viola Davis (my favourite actor) absolutely nailed that role, I’d opt to play one of her right-hand women. That way, I could support her and defend the kingdom together.

What’s a genre you’d like to try?

Action! I’d love to do an action movie. I love being physical and there’s something about the thrill of driving fast that really excites me!

 Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

I would love to work with Viola Davis. She’s absolutely mesmerising and such an inspiration to me. Meryl Streep, Thuso Mbedu, Julia Roberts, Cillian Murphy, Denzel Washington, Samuel L. Jackson, Coleman Domingo — these are all people I admire deeply. And of course, Jodie Comer is on my list; Villanelle is, without a doubt, my favourite villain ever.

As for directors, Lee Daniels is someone I’ve always dreamed of working with. His films Precious and Monster’s Ball shook me to my core and have stayed with me. After meeting him at the Zurich Film Festival recently, that dream was only reinforced. He has such a lovely, safe energy about him. Ava DuVernay is another director I would love to work with. Every project of hers moves me in a way that challenges me to learn, grow, and become a better human. Her films always feel like they have an important place in society. Last but definitely not least, Jeymes Samuel – his unmatched energy and ability to craft unexpected, captivating stories make him an absolute dream collaborator.

Do you get to spend much time at home?

At the moment, I’m really enjoying the time I get to spend at home. After years of traveling for work and accompanying my husband on tour to support him, it’s really nice to finally have a chance to be still for a bit.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I live in between and it’s where I love to be. Everyone would say I live in a town and not in the country but I feel I have the best of both worlds – being in a small ‘village feel’ like town but only 20 minutes from the center of London.

What’s your interior design style?

I’m drawn to clean, neutral tones — beiges, greys, and black and white for contrast — with a splash of dark green and gold. It’s a style that perfectly mirrors the atmosphere of my home.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

With a four-year-old, it’s crucial for me to carve out time for myself and time to be a wife on a daily basis. This often means hitting the gym, watching films, going to the theatre, or hosting sleepovers with my girls and their kids. It’s important to look out for other mothers and truly check in with each other, so I organise sleepovers and massage mornings where we rotate who watches the kids while we unwind. These happen, of course, when my husband is away, as it’s a girls’ night. Equally soul nourishing are date nights with my husband or a long White City House weekend brunch while our son plays at Teeny House.

In my work, I constantly push myself to learn and grow, but I also prioritise being present with my family. I’m still working on being fully in the moment with my son when we are together, as he deserves my undivided attention, but I find it challenging to turn off my overactive mind. I’m considering meditation to help with this, making it another way to nurture myself.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Growing up, I loved music and wanted to be a singer. I would always kick off my birthday parties with a show for my friends. After I hit double digits, my focus shifted to acting or becoming a professional tennis player. Well, I can check off the acting box (obviously), and as for the tennis, I may not have played professionally, but I did marry one — so technically, that’s a check too isn’t it?

If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

Keep bringing joy to your friends and family but don’t be afraid to open up about your own feelings. You don’t always have to be the happy one who takes care of everyone. Let others look after you too. Be more confident and firmer about your passions, especially with your parents.

How can we all live a little bit better?

Be kinder to both yourself and others. Make it a habit to regularly ask yourself and those around you, ‘Are you OK?’. Take the time to choose a cause that truly matters to you, and commit to it in a way that works for you.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

Personally, I’m focused on my next project with the Global Fund for Children. I’m planning a ‘Woman to Girl’ teatime or dinner to bring together influential women who can support GFC’s partners dedicated to empowering, educating, and creating opportunities for young girls in Africa.

Professionally, I’ve had some exciting conversations and I can’t wait to share what I’m working on next — once I’m allowed to, of course!

Photographer: David Reiss
Hair: Deborah Lola
Make-up: Maria Asadi
Styling: Miranda Almond
Top: SELF PORTRAIT / Trousers: Vintage / Shoes: Jimmy Choo / Earrings: Vintage Chanel

Susan Chardy Recommends…

I’m currently watching… The Diplomat

What I’m reading… It’s been a whirlwind lately — between my son starting school, promoting the film, and working, it’s been non-stop. But I’m finally about to dive into The Silent Patient which I’ve been looking forward to.

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Slow Horses and Hoard. Loved both of them!

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… Anora, All We Imagine as Light, The Piano Lesson and Nickel Boys.

Favourite film of all time… This is so hard but I love the Bridget Jones movies because they remind me of home and Christmas. I also loved The Notebook. 12 Years a Slave is definitely on my list because it was the first film to move me on such an incredibly deep level. It made my blood boil and left a lasting impression. It wasn’t an easy watch – it’s a film that stays with you long after the credits roll.

Favourite song of all time... I literally can’t answer this as there are too many but I love ‘Vuli Ndlela’ by Brenda Fassie even though, to this I day, I have no idea what she is saying.

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Tems, Whitney Houston and Jon Batiste 

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Visiting the Victoria Falls (the Zambian side, obviously) and going on a river cruise down the Zambezi river.

Cultural guilty pleasure… Nshima with Kapenta (a Zambian meal) and my English side loves a freshly baked scone with copious amounts of clotted cream and a dab of jam.

WATCH

Susan Chardy stars as Shula in On Becoming A Guinea Fowl, in cinemas Friday 6 December 2024.