This 98%-Rated Semi-Documentary Is the Most Heartbreaking Film You've Probably Never Heard Of

In 2017, I Am Not a Witch, the debut film by director Rungano Nyoni, was released and won a BAFTA Award for Best British Debut.

The movie is a sad yet touching semi-documentary drama teetering on the edge of social satire and heavy fairy tale. Nyoni, who was born in Zambia and immigrated to Wales, was inspired to create the film by true stories of women living in witch camps.

What Is 'I Am Not a Witch' About?

A nine-year-old girl, Shula, causes a minor incident in her village when a woman accidentally spills a bucket of water and blames her for it. The girl is accused of witchcraft as a result.

According to the village's laws, she is sent to a labor camp for witches – a place where elderly women accused of witchcraft are forced to work for the good of society. Shula is warned that if she tries to escape, she will turn into a white goat.

Despite her age, Shula works like everyone else. She soon catches the attention of the local Minister of Culture, who decides to exploit Africa's youngest witch for personal gain – she advertises magic eggs on television, performs rain dances for businessmen, and helps the police catch criminals.

'I Am Not a Witch' Uses Humor as a Weapon

Humor is the main weapon in Nyoni's script, which initially helps distance the movie from the horror of the events. I Am Not a Witch resembles a comic satire that pokes fun at society, but this is merely a veil concealing a serious drama.

The director mocks the absurdity of superstitions. For example, an old man claims that a girl cut off his hand even though he still has both arms and the villagers also discuss how witches fly at night and cause crop failures.

However, the sense of serenity fades over time. While the second half of the film continues to show the silliness of superstition, the blatant exploitation of a young girl makes it difficult to laugh at the events unfolding on the screen.

'I Am Not a Witch' Is an Honest Portrayal of the Crushing of Innocence by the System

I Am Not a Witch is a heavy and touching tale about an innocent girl who endures many hardships. Shula rarely says more than a few words, even when her life depends on it. Adults' everyday lives rush past her, but she never takes center stage or interrupts the narrative with lengthy dialogue.

The film never dwells on her past, thus avoiding overwhelming the young heroine. Though the movie evokes smiles at times, one can always see the tragedy of Shula's situation and the theme of slavery behind the adults' feigned kindness.

I Am Not a Witch playfully mixes unexpected humor with serious dramatic undertones to tell a deeply human and touching tale. At the same time, the film avoids desperate extremes – it never descends to loud laughter or forced tears.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'I Am Not a Witch'?

• I Am Not a Witch has 98% from critics and 73% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 6.9/10.

• On Letterboxd, I Am Not a Witch scored 3.9/5.0.

Where to Watch 'I Am Not a Witch'?

I Am Not a Witch is available to stream on Mubi.