I Am Not a Witch

I Am Not a Witch

Year: 2018

Runtime: 93 min

Language: English

Director: Rungano Nyoni

Drama

In this gripping drama, 8-year-old Shula's life unravels after a seemingly trivial incident sparks a witchcraft accusation. Found guilty, she's banished to a remote desert camp, where she's forced to adapt to a bizarre new reality. Tethered by a mysterious ribbon, Shula must navigate the harsh rules of her new existence as a "witch", risking eternal torment if she dares to break free.

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Timeline & Setting – I Am Not a Witch (2018)
Explore the full timeline and setting of I Am Not a Witch (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The movie is set in a contemporary time period, highlighting the conflict between traditional beliefs and modern perspectives on education and rights. During this era, the concept of witchcraft remains a point of contention in certain societies, reflecting ongoing struggles related to gender, power, and societal norms.

Location

Village

The village serves as the main setting for the events of the movie, marked by its deep-rooted beliefs in witchcraft and superstition. It is a place where traditional customs collide with modernity, influencing the lives of its inhabitants. The community's attitudes towards witches and the supernatural shape the narrative surrounding the protagonist, Shula.

🏡 Village 🧙‍♀️ Witchcraft

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:34

Main Characters – I Am Not a Witch (2018)
Meet the key characters of I Am Not a Witch (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Shula

Shula is a serious young girl whose life dramatically changes when she is accused of witchcraft. Initially unsure of her supposed powers, she navigates the complexities of being a scapegoat in a superstitious community. Despite the oppressive circumstances, her resilience and cleverness lead her to earn respect, showcasing her inner strength.

👧 Young 🧙‍♀️ Witch 💪 Resilient

Senor Government Official

The senior government official represents the exploitation of power in the village, using Shula's situation for personal gain. His coercive tactics highlight the corrupt nature of authority and its impact on vulnerable individuals. He embodies the intersection of politics and superstition that governs the lives of the villagers.

🏛️ Authority 💼 Corruption

Witch Doctor

The witch doctor is a pivotal figure in the film, fueling the superstitions that lead to Shula's entrapment. He symbolizes the intertwining of tradition and power, playing a key role in reinforcing societal fears. His character reflects the complexities of belief systems that both empower and oppress.

🔮 Tradition 👁️ Power

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:34

Major Themes – I Am Not a Witch (2018)
Explore the central themes of I Am Not a Witch (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🌪️ Oppression

The theme of oppression is central to Shula's journey as she faces confinement and exploitation by authority figures. The village's perception of witchcraft symbolizes societal fears, leading to the marginalization of individuals like her. Throughout the film, Shula's struggle serves as a poignant reflection on the broader themes of power and control.

🎓 Education

Shula's brief enrollment in school introduces the theme of education as a means of empowerment. The stark contrast between her academic aspirations and the limitations imposed by her circumstances highlights the importance of education in breaking cycles of oppression. The film subtly critiques the barriers faced by those deemed 'different' in society.

🌧️ Nature and Control

The manipulation of natural elements, such as rain, represents the power dynamics at play in the story. Shula's coerced performances, including the rain dance, illustrate humanity's attempt to exert control over nature. This theme intertwines with the villagers' belief in magic, suggesting a deeper commentary on the relationship between belief and reality.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:34

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