I Am Not a Witch

A serious little girl named Shula arrives in a village where her presence immediately stirs rumors about her possessing witch-like abilities. The villagers are intrigued and fearful, leading to assumptions about her powers without any confirmation from Shula.

In response to the growing speculation about Shula's potential powers, local authorities decide to consult a witch doctor. They offer a sacrificial chicken to gauge Shula's true nature and to determine if she is indeed a witch.

Assuming she possesses witch powers, authorities confine Shula alongside a group of elderly women who are tied to large spools of white ribbon. This confinement symbolizes the societal fear and oppression faced by those suspected of witchcraft.

Shula is summoned to participate in a trial regarding an elderly man’s claim of theft. Although unsure of the thief's identity, she consults the other witches for guidance, leading to conflicting advice and increasing tension during the trial.

In an unexpected turn of events, Shula successfully identifies the true culprit of the theft. This achievement earns her some respect from the villagers, highlighting her potential despite the pressures around her.

A senior government official and his wife exploit Shula’s situation, manipulating her into performing various tasks, including conjuring rain. This showcases the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for personal gain in the face of superstition.

After appearing on a chat show where her education is questioned, Shula is enrolled in a school for children like her who have faced rejection from typical educational settings. This moment offers Shula a glimpse of normalcy and hope amidst her struggles.

Shula's brief respite ends when a witch doctor and a farmer forcibly take her from school, demanding that she perform a rain dance. Exhausted from the demands placed upon her, Shula feels her identity slipping away as she is forced into this role.

Overwhelmed by her situation, Shula confesses to her fellow witches that she longs to be a goat instead of enduring the torments of her reality. That night, she stealthily gathers her ribbons, preparing for a desperate escape from her confining life.

The following morning, villagers discover two men discarding a body in a field, sparking fear and mourning among the witches. They lament for Shula, although it remains uncertain whether the body truly belongs to her.

As the witches mourn for Shula, an unexpected downpour begins, symbolizing a possible connection to their grief or the cleansing of their pain. The rhythm of the rain suggests a turning point amidst the tragedy they face.

With the truck that normally transports the women now empty, the ribbons that once bound them symbolize their newfound freedom. The ribbons flutter freely in the wind, a stark contrast to their previous confinement.

In the distance, the sound of a goat bleating is heard, leaving an ambiguous symbolism in the air. This echoes Shula's earlier wish to become a goat, intertwining her fate with the mystical elements surrounding the village.