On Becoming a Guinea Fowl (2024)

[bunniefuu]

(COME ON HOME

BY THE LIDAJU SISTERS PLAYING)

(MUSIC STOPS PLAYING)

(CRICKETS CHIRPING)

(FOOTSTEPS RECEDING)

(DOOR SLAMS)

AUTOMATED VOICE: The number

you dialed has been switched off.

-Please try...

-(SIGHS)

(PHONE BEEPS)

-Connected.

-(LINE RINGING)

Hello?

-(MUSIC PLAYING)

-(BACKGROUND VOICES TALKING)

Hello?

(DAD IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Hello, who's calling?

You keep saying "Hello, hello".

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) Dad, it's Shula.

-It's who?

-It's Shula.

It's noisy. Who's this?

Dad, it's Shula.

Shula. I've been...

MIXED WITH FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Baby, what's wrong?

I've been trying to call you.

You're ignoring my...

What's wrong?

What have I done, Shula?

Nothing. I changed my SIM.

Got back two days ago.

So, whose number is this?

It's mine. It's a new SIM.

Good. Shula! In fact,

you have called at the right time.

I was telling my landlord,

he wants to evict me.

I told him, "My daughter

will send me money, you imbecile."

So I'm happy you've called.

I'll send it.

Tell him we'll sort it out.

Good.

You called at the right time.

You're OK?

Yes, I'm fine.

But Dad, listen, I'm on Kulu Road.

I've seen Uncle Fred's body.

You're at Uncle Fred's house?

No, I'm on Kulu Road

and I've seen Uncle Fred's body.

Uncle Fred?

(DAD CHUCKLES)

No. Fred...

Fred's just like that.

Come on, Fred can't die.

Just sprinkle some water on him.

He'll be fine.

No, he's dead.

Even his eyes are open.

-Ah, Shula!

-SHULA: Mmm.

Who are you with?

Have you told the police?

I'm alone.

-What?

-I'm alone in the car.

have you told you mother?

AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

I tried but she's in Livingstone

and she didn't answer.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) Are you in the car?

-I'm in the car.

-OK.

Do me two favors, OK?

SHULA: Mmm.

Lock yourself up in that vehicle.

That's number one. I'm coming.

That's number one.

Lock yourself in the vehicle.

I'll come.

-OK.

-Number two,

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) send me money

for a taxi, please.

Don't forget to add the fee.

OK. I'll send it.

Dad is coming.

(LINE DISCONNECTS)

(JAUNTY INSTRUMENTAL

MUSIC PLAYING)

-Welcome to the...

-Farm Club!

We can't hear you!

Farm Club!

Yes, correct.

My name is Mutale.

And my name is Mazuba.

So...

This week, we've been talking about

the seventh letter in the alphabet.

Can anybody remember

the seventh letter we learnt about?

G!

I can't hear you!

Letter G!

MUTALE: Yes. We learnt about letter G.

But today, I'll talk to you about

a very special animal.

A very unusual animal.

So, my friend has some clues

about the animal. Mazuba?

So I'll be giving you the clues

about this very special

and unusual animal.

So I am found in Africa.

I can live to about twenty years old.

I can grow up to about

71 centimeters long.

I can come in the color brown, red,

yellow, black or white.

What am I?

Very interesting.

Can anybody guess the animal?

-Anyone? Yes?

-(CHILD COUGHS)

...I'm like out the door,

really quick shower,

workout clothes, got my stuff...

I always give my wife kisses

before I leave,

that's like a nice relationship hack,

while she's sleeping.

And then, I work out

for an hour with my trainer.

(VEHICLE APPROACHING)

I'll do a steam room after that,

freezing cold shower,

I do breakfast,

that's mostly like egg whites.

It's mostly proteins

like egg whites,

like avocado, bacon,

that kind of stuff.

Two points there so...

(RADIO SWITCHES OFF)

(DISTANT MUSIC PLAYING)

(CLATTERING AGAINST CAR)

(BANGS ON WINDOW)

-(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING FAINTLY)

-Shula.

Shula.

(MUSIC CONTINUES PLAYING)

(DOOR HANDLE RATTLING)

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Are you all right?

Hello!

(LAUGHS)

I know what you want, my friend.

(LAUGHS)

(MUSIC STOPS)

Wait. Let me play you this song.

Have you heard it?

Listen, listen.

-(GROOVY MUSIC PLAYING)

-Aha!

-(LINE RINGING)

-Have you heard it, baby?

Come!

(GODLY BY OMAH LAY PLAYING)

(SINGS ALONG)

(LAUGHS)

Hey!

What's wrong?

-(MUSIC STOPS)

-Shula.

Shula, open this door.

(LINE RINGING)

Shula!

Dad.

DAD: Hello!

(SHULA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE,

-Dad, where are you

-Who's this?

Hello!

-Hello?

-Hello.

Can you hear me?

Who are you?

Dad, can't you come? Hello?

-NSANSA: Joze, baby.

-(SIGHS)

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Look, I'm in a bad situation.

(SHULA CLICKS TONGUE)

My uncle's lying dead on the road.

I found him dead by the roadside.

Listen, let me explain.

Look, my cousin's in the car.

I'm knocking on her door,

she won't open it or look at me.

It's late

and I'm in the middle of the road.

Baby, I haven't drunk any alcohol.

-Look, talk to the police. I'm on a call.

-(TAPPING ON WINDOW)

ON SPEAKERPHONE)

Ok, so the thing is,

we're on national duties.

And the problem is

the vehicle we'd use to come there

is the same vehicle we're using

-on national duties.

-(WINDOW WHIRRS)

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) I'm with my cousin.

She's behaving crazy...

(SHULA CLICKS TONGUE)

OK, wait.

The phone's on speaker.

Talk to her, see what she says.

-(DOOR HANDLE RATTLES)

-Hello, Officer.

How are you?

We're fine.

You're fine?

Is what that drunk saying true?

Yes.

are saying is true,

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) just wait for us

until tomorrow.

It's already morning.

So just hang around somewhere.

tomorrow morning we will sort it out,

because the vehicle we have

is what we use for the office.

and we'll sort it out tomorrow, OK?

OK. Thank you, Officer.

And listen...

Eh.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Please, I beg you, your car,

don't park it near the dead body.

Move it somewhere

where people won't see you.

I don't want anyone

to get suspicious.

OK, baby. I've heard you.

Hang up.

You called me,

now you want me to hang up?

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) So I should hang up

because of your talk time

but you want my help.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

What are you doing now?

I'm looking for a cover.

We don't need to cover him.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) Listen,

we have to cover the body

because when the police come,

they will write a report

and your people will say

"Nsansa didn't respect the body".

I don't carry a cover.

I don't have a cover.

(LAUGHS)

I've found something, my friend.

Let's just use what's handy.

What have you found in there?

There is no cover.

I told you I don't carry a cover.

Let me measure it.

I think this will fit.

(LAUGHS)

(SQUEALS WITH LAUGHTER)

You're stupid.

Check the boot.

(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)

(SIRENS BLARE IN DISTANCE)

(SNORES GENTLY)

(CONTINUES SNORING)

(BIRDS CHIRPING)

(DISTANT POUNDING)

(MAN LAUGHS)

-(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

-(NSANSA LAUGHS)

(NSANSA LAUGHS)

(NSANSA SPEAKING INDISTINCTLY)

(TAPPING ON CAR)

Shula. Shula.

Hey.

Guess what?

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) Look...

See that house over there?

Which one?

That one near the mango tree,

with the orange gate.

It's a brothel.

-(CLICKS TONGUE)

-(NSANSA LAUGHS)

(SPEAKS IN MIXTURE OF

Just look at the situation.

Uncle Fred...

finding his dead body near a brothel.

Who told you it's a brothel?

Joseph. Joseph told me

there's a brothel there.

That's a brothel.

Look, the big man

has died a happy man.

The problem right now is,

how your people will react

when they find out.

People of God,.

we found Uncle Fred

dead near a brothel.

(MOTHER SOBBING OVER PHONE)

Fred!

-It will be fine, Mum.

-Freddy is dead.

(SOBBING CONTINUES)

My God!

Calm down, Mum.

You'll make yourself sick.

My God!

My God...

My little brother!

(GATE SCRAPING ON GROUND)

(CLATTERING)

Hello?

(CHICKENS CLUCKING IN DISTANCE)

(PHONE BUZZING)

(SHULA SIGHS)

Hello?

AUNTY SAMPA: Hello?

Hello, Aunty.

Hello, Shula.

(WOMAN WAILS)

(AUNTY SAMPA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Where are you?

Are you at home?

Yes.

Who are you with?

Are you with anyone?

I'm alone.

So, if anyone asks you anything

about Uncle Fred's death,

-don't say anything.

-(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)

If they ask,

say it's not my business.

It's for the elders.

Have I made myself clear?

Good. We'll come soon.

We'll find you.

OK, Shula. OK, bye.

(MAN SPEAKS INDISTINCTLY)

(SHULA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Beatrice, what's happening here?

We're taking everything

out of this room, madam.

But why?

Madam called to say there's a funeral

so we have to remove everything.

-Here?

-Yes.

(ZIPPER FASTENING)

(CASE TRUNDLES ON FLOOR)

(WOMAN WAILING)

(WOMEN SINGING)

Death comes crawling

Death comes crawling

You see it slithering

as it paves the way

Death comes crawling

You see it slithering

as it paves the way

Death comes crawling

(WOMEN CONTINUE SINGING)

(WOMAN WAILING)

I have to leave the meeting at 1:30

to attend a Future Proof meeting,

so sorry about that.

Send my apologies from me.

Good as gold. Thanks, Jim.

-Should we include that in the...

-(KEYBOARD CLACKING)

-...in the motion as well?

-(KNOCK AT DOOR)

If someone would like to move.

(KNOCKING PERSISTS)

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Have you bathed?

Mmm.

Mm-hm. (SCOFFS)

OK.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

I've never seen that before,

bathing when there's a funeral.

Shula, so you don't know

not to bathe?

Have you ever known anyone

to bathe during a funeral?

She's already bathed,

there's nothing we can do.

She should have asked.

-I've never seen that.

-Shula...

I want you to explain to us

how you found your uncle's body.

(SIGHS)

He was at Kulu roadside.

BA MIRIAM: What?

On the road.

AUNTY RUTH:

Now what kind of explanation is that?

Was he standing

or sitting on the road?

What was he doing on the road?

I saw him as I was coming back

from a friend's fancy dress party.

AUNTY RUTH:

Explain exactly how you found him.

(EXHALES)

-I show you?

-Shula...

Tell us how you found

your uncle's body.

Where and how did you find it?

Look at her.

He was like this.

With his eyes open.

(WOMAN SOBS)

Were there any stones?

Any sticks?

Was he beaten? How was it?

(WOMAN WAILING)

What about blood?

Was there any blood anywhere?

No.

Hmm.

You are very brave.

Did she wake up OK today?

Shula is brave.

Have I ever seen a person who's

just seen a corpse look like this?

Her eyes are so dry.

She doesn't look like someone

who has seen a corpse.

-Hmm.

-Hmm?

You don't even look traumatized.

You seem fine.

Let's just get to the point.

We've come to take Shula.

That's all.

We've come to get you.

Go and pick up your mum

from the airport.

I'll arrange it.

Arrange it?

Who will pick up your mum?

Who'll pick her up?

Your mother's upset

by what's happened.

Go and get her.

Do you hear?

Hmm?

Get up, change,

let's go to the funeral house.

Hurry up.

She's frowning,

as if she's in the right.

Find some clothes for her.

Change.

You can't wear that to a funeral.

-Change.

-Get up.

-Put this on.

-I'll find you.

Shula, get up. We're going.

Why do you want

to stay here on your own?

Why, when we're all going home?

Get up, put this on.

Get up respectfully, let's go.

Get up.

How many times do we have to beg you?

We told you we've come to get you.

You have to pick up your mother.

We have to mourn

at the funeral house, not here.

-Change.

-When I'm done with my calls.

Stop what you're doing,

forget those calls.

Just get in there and change.

Why do you want us

to argue with you?

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) What's important

is to collect your mother.

Do you have another bag

or just this one?

-Get that one.

-Is this yours?

Get in there.

I've talked so much,

my throat hurts.

Get in there. We go.

(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)

(SOBBING)

(WOMAN EXHALES, SOBS)

(INHALES SHARPLY,

CONTINUES SOBBING)

(SOBS, WAILS)

(CONTINUES SOBBING)

(INDISTINCT ANNOUNCEMEN(CAR DOOR SLAMS)

(CAR DOOR SLAMS)

(WOMAN SOBBING)

(MOURNERS KEENING)

(WOMEN ULULATING)

(CATHERINE IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Cry for a bit, why are you cold hearted?

You're embarrassing us...

Oh my brother Fred...

My brother, my brother...

(KEENING CONTINUES)

(WOMAN SNIFFLES)

(CHUCKLING)

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

So shocking to see an old man

exposing himself on Facebook.

Maybe it's her husband,

I don't know.

No, it's her sugar daddy.

Her husband's younger...

AUNTY RUTH:

She can put on gel nails.

-Thanks.

-That's what we'll do.

WOMAN: Ah.

Power cuts have started.

Switch on the torch.

I want to show you the gold.

But why a plain color?

I don't like decorations.

-So you mean mine are ugly?

-Yours are fine...

-MUSONDA: You're being called.

-SHULA: Who?

They want you in the kitchen,

let's go.

OK.

(CHATTER CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY)

(PHONE NOTIFICATION BEEPS)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

My friend, how are you?

Musonda stay there.

You're even locking it.

Give me high five.

How are you?

I haven't seen you for ages.

-(BOTTLES CLINKING)

-All right, Shula?

There's someone there.

Don't scare people.

It's dark over there.

"All right, Shula?"

Greet each other nicely.

Life goes on.

What are you doing in here?

-We're mourning from here.

-Why?

Imagine, they're saying

I should cook for the widow.

Me, cooking for the widow?

-SHULA: Whose widow?

-Uncle Fred's wife.

Wait, Fred was married?

You didn't know?

Really?

Who do you think

is sat in the corner?

I haven't seen her.

That's his wife.

The one crying like a cow.

-(MOOING)

-(LAUGHS)

Listen,

her style of crying has a pattern.

She's like, "Freddy, Freddy"!

Where did you get that style from?

Did you download it?

I don't know...

Do you know what surprises me?

MIXED WITH FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Why are they mourning Uncle Fred

like he was an angel,

not a pervert?

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) This funeral

should have been fast tracked.

Just get the body and bury it.

-We throw it.

-We move on.

(GRUNTS IN EXASPERATION)

Anyway, what's this we're drinking?

MAPALO: And now they're saying,

"Cook for the widow."

Me? Nonsense.

Do you even know

how to cook?

-(BANGING ON DOOR)

-(EXCLAIMS)

-AUNTY SAMPA: Mapalo...

-(MUTTERS INDISTINCTLY)

(WHISPERING) Hide the drink.

-AUNTY SAMPA: Mapalo.

-(CONTINUES KNOCKING)

-AUNTY SAMPA: Musonda, is Mapalo in there?

-MUSONDA: Yes, she is.

AUNTY SAMPA: So she's ignoring me

and not answering.

MUSONDA: I don't know.

AUNTY SAMPA:

What kind of behavior is this?

-(BANGING ON DOOR)

-Shh!

AUNTY SAMPA: Mapalo, if I come in there,

it won't be pleasant. You know me.

(NSANSA BURPS)

Musonda, when she comes out,

bring her to me.

(SIGHS)

You two are trouble.

Of all the people here,

they had to choose me.

Where are you going?

I'm going. Someone has to do it.

Shula, come here, come here.

Give us the drink.

You want us to get caught?

And if you tell, we'll fall out.

SHULA: Tell what?

-You owe me.

-No, I don't, angel Shula.

Going to cook for the widow.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

SHULA: Aunty Sampa.

-Yes, Shula.

-Where's the widow?

The widow's been taken up there.

She's been escorted to a room. Why?

I brought her food.

Oh, Mapalo...

Linda, come here.

Show Shula

where to take the widow's food.

She hasn't eaten.

CATHERINE: Sampa.

-What's wrong?

-No, no, no.

Listen, I heard everything.

I was there.

I heard everything you said.

-Firstly, what is this?

-She hasn't eaten yet.

Whose food is this?

-For the widow.

-So that what?

So she can eat.

Listen carefully, Sampa,

you know what's happening here.

-That's how you speak to me?

-Yes, it is.

Catherine, be respectful.

My sister, you know I respect you.

This food isn't going anywhere.

Wherever you're going,

tell them she won't eat

anything until we bury...

Shut up. I'm not talking to you.

I'm coming for you.

This food is not going anywhere.

-Catherine, you're showing off.

-l don't care.

Sampa, you know me well.

I go crazy.

I'll lose it. Leave me alone.

Go and tell her,

she won't eat here.

Her relatives should know

that she will not eat anything here.

Our brother died like a dog,

why should we make them a feast?

(CONTINUES INDISTINCTLY)

AUNTY SAMPA: Just ignore her.

We should serve you?

Who are you?

My brother has died...

The only reason you've come

is to eat!

If you carry on,

I'll throw you in the tent.

You can stay there.

Go and pick up Bupe.

She should come right away.

-Is she in the dorms?

-Yes, she's at uni. Go get her.

-(KNOCKS)

-(MUFFLED) Shula.

Shula!

What is it?

What is it?

Look.

Take me to buy charcoal.

Uh-uh. No, I'm not going somewhere.

I'm late.

Listen, that's not important.

There's no charcoal.

How will people eat?

What about your crappy van?

It's not crappy.

My van's being used

to collect chairs.

Open up.

-NSANSA: I had this boyfriend once.

-(DISTANT MUSIC PLAYING)

A young one. He wasn't old.

He was white.

Shula, that young man had luggage.

AK47.

Strong and reliable down there,

better than an older man.

Have you seen the coalman?

-He went down there.

-OK, thank you.

NSANSA: Look,

this guy was strong,

he wasn't messing around.

You can imagine...

COALMAN: Coal, coal!

NSANSA: Coalman!

Wait for us!

Shula, I forgot to tell you

what Uncle Fred did one day.

He came to pick me up

from school as usual.

I thought he was taking me home.

Before I knew it, I was at a lodge.

I thought maybe he had

something to do there.

Before I could blink...

Ha!

I was in a room.

"What's going on here?"

Then he undressed.

(LAUGHS DRUNKENLY)

Shula,

see there were three fallen heroes

(LAUGHS)

And it just looks like

they've lost hope.

There were no occupants

in his trousers.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

I wondered...

And then you know, at some point,

I just felt like I'm the one

who was there to r*pe him.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) That's funny

Do you know what I did?

I got up, my friend.

I slapped him hard,

then I pushed him.

I'm my own hero, my friend.

(NSANSA LAUGHING)

(DISTANT MUSIC PLAYING)

(NSANSA SINGING ALONG TO RADIO)

(NSANSA LAUGHS)

NSANSA: There's someone inside

we want to see.

Who is it, boss?

Bupe.

What block is she in?

Block B. She's our cousin.

Your cousin?

-Yeah.

-All right.

Thank you.

(NSANSA EXCLAIMING)

Careful, you'll sweep us up.

I saw you.

Where are the toilets?

Straight ahead and turn right.

-You mean this door?

-Yes, that one.

Sorry, where's Bupe's room?

Bupe's room is door number five,

on your right.

Thank you.

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

Bupe.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE

Look at the way she's sleeping.

This is wet. What are you doing?

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) Hey. Let's go.

Your mum wants you back there.

Hurry up.

AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

None of us want to go. Come on.

You know the routine at funerals.

You're doing the chicken.

I'll make you a deal...

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

I'll cook the chicken,

then I'll bring you back

to sleep here.

(BUPE MUTTERS INDISTINCTLY)

Who? What is it?

Hey. Are you OK?

OK, so come on, let's pack.

Where's your bag?

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) What are you doing?

Bupe?

Are you OK?

-(BUPE GROANING)

-What's wrong, Bupe?

What did you drink?

Bupe,

what did you drink?

Let's go. Fast.

Get up. Come on.

Let's go.

Hurry.

Come on.

(NSANSA IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) Hello.

Have you seen where Bupe went?

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

What are you saying?

Bupe wasn't feeling well.

(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)

AUNTY RUTH: Have mercy on me.

My Creator, have mercy.

Heal my child.

God, I beg you,

have mercy on my child.

She's too young.

My God,

I have no one else to turn to.

Only you, oh merciful,

can help heal my child.

My child, Bupe.

Um...

I just thought of...

telling you something

that has been happening to me.

Um...

All these years that...

have passed, I didn't tell you

what happened to me...

and what has been going on with me.

I kept everything a secret because...

I didn't want

our family to break or to...

Um...

to not be united

like the way it is, so...

I kept everything a secret

about what happened.

Um...

All this time when you're not around,

Uncle Fred,

he...

(AUNTY RUTH IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Don't tell anyone.

Don't think about it

or talk about it.

Just keep quiet.

Do you hear me?

Yes.

If anyone asks,

just say Bupe has Malaria.

(LIGHT SNORING)

Guinea fowl. Guinea fowl...

MOTHER: My child.

Honey,

wake up and make breakfast. OK?

All these years that...

have passed, I didn't tell you

what happened to me.

And what has been going on with me.

I kept everything a secret because...

I didn't want...

our family to break or to...

to not be united

like the way it is, so...

-I kept everything a secret.

-(HORNS HONKING)

All this time

when you're not around,.

Uncle Fred...

MOTHER: You were not just a brother,

but also our father figure.

Ever jovial and joyous.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

A person who was fair.

No one will ever replace you,

our brother.

No one will ever replace you...

our brother.

Indeed...

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

the good die too soon.

(TYPING)

And then we have lost...

but Heaven has gained.

You will be greatly missed,

our brother.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

I think write "our brother",

since he is a brother to all of you.

No, thank you.

No, thank you.

(CREAKING)

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Bupe, what are you doing here?

for some spices.

Do you know where the moringa is?

I've been looking for it.

Bupe,

I just left you at the hospital.

-What are you doing here?

-I'm OK.

They've put me

in charge of the chicken

so I'm just outside,

seasoning the chicken.

I'm asking for the torch.

I can't see the moringa.

(SNIFFS) Mm-hm.

PeG@SuS

Urang Sunda Asli

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=== ONE STOP SHOPPING ===

Makanan, Pakaian, Elektronik, dll :

Found it. Thank you.

Bupe?

I saw the video.

Don't worry about it.

He's dead now, so it's OK.

Anyway,

I've left the chicken outside,

so I need to go and check...

(DOOR OPENS, CLOSES)

(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Alice, have you seen Aunty Ruth?

No, I haven't.

Check the sitting room.

OK.

-Aunty, have you seen Aunty Ruth?

-No, I haven't...

I saw her,

she went outside by the tent.

she's taking people somewhere.

She's probably gone

to the grave site with some guys.

-So she's left?

-Yeah, she must have driven off...

-Aunty Shula.

-Yes?

The food is ready

but people aren't eating.

Because you have to serve them.

Thank you.

UNCLE ENOCH: Shula...

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) I'm so hungry.

Bring me rice with chicken

and plenty of gravy.

-Yes, Uncle.

-UNCLE LUCKY: Shula, before you go,

can you also prepare me a plate?

Make sure the breast is there.

Chicken breast and drumsticks,

potatoes and rice.

Please, don't forget the water.

-Please, hurry up, I'm so hungry.

-Yes, Uncle.

Girls, can you please serve

the two uncles here first?

(LINE RINGING)

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Bring me some rice.

Don't serve me meat,

just serve me fish,

lots of vegetables and okra.

Shula!

-Shula.

-Where is she? What's happened?

SHULA: Bupe...

MAPALO: Lift her that side.

NSANSA: Wait.

Mapalo, wait.

-MAPALO: Hold her in the middle.

-NSANSA: She's heavy...

MAPALO Again.

SHULA: Hold her head properly.

Lift.

MAPALO: Hurry up, hold her properly.

AUNTY RUTH: Oh, my God,

my Father,

my God, I come before you,

to ask for forgiveness.

Please heal my child.

I place everything in your hands.

I beg you, God,

please hear my prayer.

This is too heavy to bear.

I'm not sure if anyone's in there.

NSANSA: Is someone praying in there?

SHULA: I don't know.

If someone comes,

just say we're praying.

NSANSA: OK.

Let's go.

NSANSA: I lied to you.

When?

(NSANSA LAUGHS)

The story I told you

about Uncle Fred, the other day.

I was embarrassed to tell the truth.

Everything I told you was a lie.

(LAUGHS RUEFULLY)

It happened.

I couldn't protect myself.

He did abuse me.

(SIGHS)

(RADIO PLAYS IN DISTANCE)

(RADIO STOPS)

Hello?

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

What are you doing?

I needed to pee.

Why are you peeing out here?

The matrons told me I'm not allowed

to use the toilet inside the house.

Why?

Because I didn't take good care

of my husband.

Who's your husband?

Fred.

Let's go.

You'll use the one in the house.

No, they'll shout at her.

This is my mother's house.

She won't be happy

that you're peeing outside.

Let's go.

Is this your phone?

Are you OK?

That phone's off.

Let me charge it for you.

It's an old phone, its charger

is hard to find these days.

Where's your charger?

It's at home.

Where's home?

(DOOR CREAKS)

(DISTANT CRYING)

(DISTANT CRYING)

CHICHI: I've been left alone.

Who'll look after my children?

I've suffered.

CATHERINE: This is nonsense.

The widow's crying like a mosquito.

Hey, what do you think you're doing?

And you call yourself a widow?

Shut up.

Stop making that noise, woman!

Shut up!

AUNTY RUTH: Woman,

I will drag you outside.

CATHERINE: Shut up!

Is this a funeral

or have you come to sing silly songs?

AUNTY SAMPA: Ruth!

Ruth and Catherine!

CATHERINE: You two!

AUNTY RUTH: Have you ever been

to a funeral?

Have you ever lost a spouse?

We need to hear her wailing

from over there?

AUNTY SAMPA: What is wrong with you two?

AUNTY RUTH: She sounds

like a trapped animal.

CATHERINE: Listen Ruth, as a widow,

her eyes should be puffy from crying.

Sampa, keep quiet.

Her whole face

should be swollen from crying.

AUNTY: (CHANTING)

My friends...

Woman, explain to us how Fred died

My friends...

(WOMEN HUMMING)

You wicked woman,

come and explain to the family

You woman

We are bereaved

We, the family, are bereaved

We are bereaved...

Hey woman

Explain to us how our child died

Fred never used to eat at home

You never cooked for him

You didn't wash...

-How are you?

-I am fine.

Is this Fredrick's house?

Yes, but he's dead.

Knock, knock.

-(CHILD COUGHS)

-(CHATTER OVER TV)

Who's that?

My daddy.

How old are you?

OK.

-Hi.

-Hi.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Is that your dad?

Yes.

What's your name?

Jonas.

-Seven.

So you're the oldest?

Yes.

OK.

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

Go and get me your mum's charger.

-(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE) You are welcome.

-Thank you.

What's your name?

My name is Shula.

My mum was Uncle Fred's sister.

-Your mum?

-Yes.

Please,

let us live here to raise the kids.

Please, please, please...

(CRYING)

Please, speak to your mother for us.

Don't let them take the house.

I need to raise the kids here.

I beg you.

Grandma, please get up.

(SOBBING)

(BARS RATTLING)

(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER, LAUGHTER)

DAD: Look, this...

SHULA: Dad!

Dad!

Shula, come.

No.

Get out, I need to talk to you.

-We're having a party.

-No!

-Come!

-Come here, please.

AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

She was 11 or 12 years old

when she had a child with uncle Fred.

That's in the past.

It's not important now.

She's an adult now.

Dad, she's an adult now

but she was a child then.

We need to help her.

Listen.

What's happening isn't right.

-Are you listening?

-Yes, I am.

It keeps happening

over and over again.

Now they're talking badly about her.

It's not fair, she's not to blame.

People will always talk, booboo.

They always do.

Why blame her

as if she's at fault?

Why aren't they talking

about what Uncle Fred did?

Do you want them to dig up the corpse

and confront it?

Ask it, "Why did you do this?"

Come on.

You're young. You can't understand.

What I'm saying is that

he needs to be held accountable.

How, do we question the corpse?

You're not listening

to what I'm saying.

There are certain battles

you can't fight.

You know...

Don't worry, OK?

This will all pass with time.

-But... again.

-No, you don't get it. OK.

OK, my daughter. Come, come.

(DAD EXCLAIMS)

-Booboo. Shula...

-What?

We've run out of ice cubes.

That's my girl.

You don't have to do that, Shula.

You're welcome.

Shula.

(LINE RINGING)

SHULA: Hello?

Hello, Shula.

What is it?

Uncle Fred...

Did he ever do anything to you?

SHULA: No.

DAD: OK.

SHULA: Bye.

Mum, I saw Dad today.

OK.

He asked me something strange.

If Uncle Fred

ever did something... to me.

Didn't you tell him?

No.

You told me to keep it a secret

and not tell anyone.

I was young.

How was I supposed to know?

You told all my aunties

but didn't tell my dad?

They said they'd help.

What did they do to help then,

after I told you?

They sat him down and spoke to him.

He said he would change.

(SCOFFS)

Put the eggs in the basket.

Did you see Bupe's video?

MOTHER: Mm-mm.

Over there.

The basket is over there.

I went to the widow's house.

-Look.

-What?

A guinea fowl.

Hurry up, it's getting away.

You won't be able to catch it

once it gets to those people. Hurry.

Hurry up, my daughter.

There it is. Look.

(TENSE MUSIC PLAYS)

You know what, my daughter?

Tomorrow morning, you should go

and buy things for breakfast.

Buy sugar,

buns,

tea leaves,

and milk.

There'll be lots of people

in the morning,

so we need to give them breakfast.

There has to be enough food.

We have to make sure

there's enough food.

Don't forget milk.

We also need milk.

When there are lots of mourners,

we need to have enough food.

We need extra food.

You should get extra buns.

We need more buns.

Get extra buns.

Have you heard, my daughter?

(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)

(INDISTINCT CHATTER)

(INDISTINCT CONVERSATION)

(TENSE MUSIC CONTINUES)

I'll tell her to her face.

She should be careful.

She likes gossiping.

Shula...

Nsansa...

Who am I to you?

You're our aunty.

What about them?

Who are they to you?

They're our family.

Our aunties.

Shula, Nsansa...

do you honestly think I would want

anything terrible to happen to you?

Hmm?

If it was in my power,

would I let something bad

happen to you two?

We've also been very hurt,

my children.

Don't be depressed.

(WOMEN MUTTER)

We are hurting, too.

And we love you.

You're our children.

(CRYING SOFTLY)

Do you hear me?

(SOBBING)

My children...

Did you hear what your aunt said?

It's true.

We love you very much.

So very much.

No one hates their child.

That's why we've all

come here as a family.

Because we love you very much.

It's true. We love you so very much.

(SNIFFLING)

(SINGING)

We love you, our children

We love you, our children

All I want

Is where I'm with my Father

That's where you should also come

We love you, our children

We love you, our children

All I want

Is where I'm with my Father

That is where you should also come

The love we have for you

Is very deep, our children

All I want

Is where I'm with my Father

That's where you should also come

It looks a bit long, wait.

(SEWING MACHINE WHIRRING)

Pull it again.

Psst! (WHISTLES)

Is this where they've put you?

Yes.

(CAR BEEPING)

That's it, that's it.

Take it easy. Go.

(CAR BEEPING)

Yes, it'll come out.

Take it easy.

Come.

Look.

(CAR BEEPING)

Go, go. (SIGHS IN EXASPERATION)

What's wrong?

(DOOR OPENS)

(SHULA CRIES SOFTLY)

Are you OK?

Hey?

Do you remember the TV show?

We used to watch it all the time.

I've forgotten what it was about.

Something about a farm.

I keep remembering it.

I was sitting...

I was watching it

and I had a hot water bottle.

That's what I keep remembering.

What did I tell you

about what happened to me that day?

I remember you telling me

SHULA: Hmm.

that you were with Uncle Fred,

playing a game,

then the game

suddenly started to hurt.

It hurt you so much.

Since then, you hated Uncle Fred.

You never even wanted

to look at him again.

But are you all right?

SHULA: Mmm.

Anyway, let's go.

We'll just walk.

Let's go.

(DOOR CLOSES)

(NSANSA AND SHULA

IMITATING GUINEA FOWLS)

(IMITATING GUINEA FOWLS)

(IMITATING CONTINUES)

(CHUCKLES)

(LAUGHINGLY IMITATING

GUINEA FOWLS)

Let me tell you a little bit

about these wonderful,

odd little creatures.

They're called guinea fowls

and they live in Africa.

Guinea fowls

are very talkative creatures.

Their chattiness is very useful

to all the animals in the wild.

When the guinea fowls

see a predator approaching,

they make a noise all together

and they say, "Look out!

"Keep your eyes and ears open

"because there's danger about."

(GUINEA FOWL CALLING)

Yes, guinea fowl are very useful

to all the creatures on the savannah.

(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)

(IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

We ask you to send your Holy Spirit

in order to guide our two families,

as we begin this discussion,

that there be no disagreements,

only unity.

All this, our King,

we ask in the name

of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Amen.

The word of God

clearly says in Ecclesiastes

chapter three, verse four,

the Bible says there's a time

to be born and a time to die.

That's what happened here.

The time came

for our brother Fred to die.

This is not the time to point fingers

and accuse each other

of m*rder and witchcraft.

Let's praise God for Fred's life

and the years we shared with him.

We ask God to bring peace and love

between the two families.

Thank you and God bless you.

Amen.

Without wasting much time,

I will now ask Fred's widow

to tell us how he died,

because we didn't hear

of any sickness

nor of him being in hospital.

We only heard

that he was found dead on the road.

You're right.

As uncle to the widow,

I agree with what you say.

Whenever something like this happens,

people always want to know

how the person died.

So, now is the time.

Don't base your explanation

on hearsay,

but on what you witnessed

with your own eyes.

Please explain to us.

Thank you for giving me

the chance to speak.

Me and my husband Fred lived well,

but there was just one problem.

-He used to drink a lot.

-WOMAN: Speak up.

Speak louder, my child,

so those at the far end

of the room can hear you.

Speak up so they can hear your voice.

You can continue.

He was a heavy drinker.

Because of his binge drinking,

he had a problem.

He developed a problem

in his stomach

and in his chest.

We took him to the clinic,

he was admitted for three days.

I called my mother-in-law

but she didn't respond.

I called my sister-in-law

and she said

she'd see what she could do.

You, which in-law did you call?

-Did she ever phone you?

-No.

How about you?

Did she ever call you?

Then which in-law did you call?

Which one?

Talk. I'm asking you.

Let her answer me.

Let her continue explaining.

UNCLE VINCENT:

Excuse me, excuse me.

Carry on.

He kept drinking.

He would go for two or three days

without coming home.

He'd come back for a day

and then leave again.

On the day he was found dead,

we argued

because I asked him to stay home,

but he still left.

I'm finished.

You...

(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)

You argued because

you weren't cooking for him.

She neglected her husband.

She was only after his wealth.

Our brother told us

everything that went on.

That's what made Fred drink...

hunger.

Shut up!

(CLEARS THROAT)

From what I see,

there was no love in their home.

Other issues came to light,

just before the burial,

that I can't mention

since there are kids here.,

For this, we charge you

5,000 kwacha to help her.

We hear you.

You're right, we are at fault

and we have accepted

the charges completely.

We are in the wrong,

just as my sister said.

This is a down payment.

-When will you pay the balance?

-We'll bring the balance tomorrow.

Thanks a lot, Uncle.

Please, apologize on our behalf,

for what has happened.

-Certainly, as is our custom.

-Go ahead, my sister.

(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)

We've been shamed.

She has shamed us.

Pardon me.

People of God,

I kneel before you.

Mother-in-law,

sisters-in-law...

I kneel down before you,

I sincerely apologize.

I feel ashamed.

My daughter

didn't take care of her husband.

You know kids nowadays

don't follow customs,

despite our teachings.

I'm pleading with you.

(CRYING)

I'm ashamed.

I beg you... I'm embarrassed.

Please forgive us.

Well said, my sister.

Well said, our sister.

You're trying to fool us.

-We're not trying to fool you.

-You're trying to fool us.

You think you're cleverer than us.

You're not.

Be humble.

Us, respect you?

You should respect yourselves.

You're saying nothing.

Where has she gone wrong?

She just came to ask for forgiveness.

What has my sister done wrong?

No, no, no, no, no.

(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)

She came to beg forgiveness

and you started insulting her.

No, no, no...

Please, we need to move forward.

You need to bring

all of Fred's belongings here.

Yes, Uncle, tell them.

The title deeds to the farm,

the papers for the car,

and his clothes,

bring it all here now.

(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)

CATHERINE:

You get rich from funerals.

I'll sort you out. You'll see.

Put them there.

Stop there.

-Put it there.

-You wanted it, here it is.

You're getting none of it.

You didn't lose someone.

You thought you'd get something,

you'll get nothing.

You encouraged your sister

to marry my brother.

You will get nothing.

-Sit down.

-I hope this is everything.

We wanted to share everything

with the widow but...

she discarded our customs,

she didn't take care of her husband,

so we're keeping everything.

She gets nothing.

UNCLE: We've already paid

what was charged.

If I get upset,

all hell will break loose, Uncle!

They're talking crap.

-The title deeds...

-I forgot...

I'm getting my jacket.

I forgot my b*mber jacket.

(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)

-Bring back what you took.

-You won't get it.

Give me that blanket.

These blankets are for the children.

-Move aside.

-You're not having it.

(CHATTER CONTINUES)

-Let go of it.

-Leave it. I said leave it.

Let go, let go of it.

He left it for the kids.

(OVERLAPPING CHATTER)

(ARGUING CONTINUES)

(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)

(GUINEA FOWL CALLS

IN BACKGROUND)

(GUINEA FOWL CALL)

(GUINEA FOWL CALL)

(GUINEA FOWL CALL)

(MUSIC PLAYING)

(MUSIC ENDS)