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I Am Not a Witch 2018

Following a petty accusation, eight-year-old Shula finds her life irrevocably changed and is banished to a barren desert camp for suspected witchcraft. There, she joins other young girls similarly accused and must adjust to the camp’s strange and unsettling customs. A mysterious ribbon binds her to this existence, and she faces potential torment if she defies the camp’s rigid rules while attempting to understand the accusations against her.

Following a petty accusation, eight-year-old Shula finds her life irrevocably changed and is banished to a barren desert camp for suspected witchcraft. There, she joins other young girls similarly accused and must adjust to the camp’s strange and unsettling customs. A mysterious ribbon binds her to this existence, and she faces potential torment if she defies the camp’s rigid rules while attempting to understand the accusations against her.

Does I Am Not a Witch have end credit scenes?

Yes!

I Am Not a Witch does have end credit scenes. Stay until the very end!

Meet the Full Cast and Actors of I Am Not a Witch

Explore the complete cast of I Am Not a Witch, including both lead and supporting actors. Learn who plays each character, discover their past roles and achievements, and find out what makes this ensemble cast stand out in the world of film and television.


Ratings and Reviews for I Am Not a Witch

See how I Am Not a Witch is rated across major platforms like IMDb, Metacritic, and TMDb. Compare audience scores and critic reviews to understand where I Am Not a Witch stands among top-rated movies in its genre.


Echo Score

The Movie Echo Score

80

The film’s greatest strength lies in its distinctive visual and thematic boldness, supported by a commanding central performance. Reviewers frequently cited Nyoni’s assured direction and striking cinematography as well as Maggie Mulubwa’s expressive portrayal, noting their synergy in conveying both political critique and emotional depth. While some critics found the narrative occasionally repetitive or opaque, the film’s originality and evocative style sustain engagement. Overall, I Am Not a Witch leaves a lasting impression through its blend of striking imagery and thematic resonance.

The Movie Echo Score Breakdown for I Am Not a Witch

90
Echo Score

Art & Craft

In terms of art and craft, I Am Not a Witch shines through Nyoni’s assured direction and meticulous visual design. Critics praised the use of close-ups and clever tableaux alongside a restrained color palette, while users highlighted the symbolic ribbon imagery and contemplative montages. Design elements integrate cultural artifacts with editing that sustains a deliberate rhythm. The result is a visually immersive experience that reinforces the film’s thematic stakes.

80
Echo Score

Character & Emotion

When it comes to character and emotion, I Am Not a Witch is anchored by an expressive lead performance that carries the film’s emotional weight. Reviewers and users alike highlighted Maggie Mulubwa’s ability to convey depth and nuance through minimal dialogue, creating powerful eye-based acting. Though supporting roles by non-professional actors occasionally feel uneven, the central portrayal and emotional restraint deliver a quietly resonant impact.

60
Echo Score

Story & Flow

In terms of story and flow, I Am Not a Witch presents a compelling premise but occasionally falters in narrative coherence. Critics noted moments where the plot’s repetition and vagueness around Shula’s journey undermined engagement, while users described the pacing as rigid and disjointed. The film’s originality and thematic ambition offer striking imagery, but the uneven structure may leave some viewers seeking greater clarity.

85
Echo Score

Sensory Experience

When it comes to sensory experience, I Am Not a Witch impresses with its evocative soundscape and cohesive visual style. Critics lauded the film’s score for underlining its satirical and tragic elements, while users praised the rich musical themes and meticulous sound design. Visually, the striking imagery—from ribbon-laden frames to contemplative montages—reinforces both symbolism and mood. This sensory unity heightens the film’s unsettling and lyrical qualities.

70
Echo Score

Rewatch Factor

In terms of rewatch value, I Am Not a Witch offers a layered experience that rewards repeat viewings. Users pointed to its dense symbolism and satirical undertones, noting new thematic connections emerge on subsequent watches. However, the film’s deliberate pacing and opaque narrative may challenge viewers less inclined toward contemplative cinema. Overall, its visual and thematic richness provides lasting appeal, though the uneven structure can temper enthusiasm for some.

Metacritic

80

Metascore

7.4

User Score

Rotten Tomatoes
review

98%

TOMATOMETER

review

72%

User Score

IMDb

6.9 /10

IMDb Rating

TMDB

67

%

User Score

Letterboxd

3.8

From 94 fan ratings

Take the Ultimate I Am Not a Witch Movie Quiz

Challenge your knowledge of I Am Not a Witch with this fun and interactive movie quiz. Test yourself on key plot points, iconic characters, hidden details, and memorable moments to see how well you really know the film.


I Am Not a Witch Quiz: Test your knowledge on the intriguing narrative and characters of 'I Am Not a Witch'.

What is the name given to the girl accused of witchcraft?

Awards & Nominations for I Am Not a Witch

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Discover all the awards and nominations received by I Am Not a Witch, from Oscars to film festival honors. Learn how I Am Not a Witch and its cast and crew have been recognized by critics and the industry alike.


71st British Academy Film Awards 2018

Rungano Nyoni
Win

Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer

Rungano Nyoni

33rd Film Independent Spirit Awards 2018

Nomination

Best International Film

Full Plot Summary and Ending Explained for I Am Not a Witch

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Read the complete plot summary of I Am Not a Witch, including all major events, twists, and the full ending explained in detail. Explore key characters, themes, hidden meanings, and everything you need to understand the story from beginning to end.


A serious little girl arrives in a village, and it’s rapidly presumed that she possesses witch-like abilities. When she decides not to confirm or deny her supposed powers, local authorities take it upon themselves to consult a witch doctor, who offerings a sacrificial chicken to deduce her true nature. Assuming she is indeed a witch, the officials confine her alongside a group of elderly women tied to large spools of white ribbon. Among them, she is given the name Shula and is subjected to hard labor.

Shula is then summoned to participate in a trial involving an elderly man’s claim of theft. Despite being uncertain about the identity of the thief, she consults the other witches, whose conflicting advice complicates her task. In a surprising turn of events, Shula manages to correctly identify the culprit, earning her some respect. Meanwhile, a senior government official and his wife take advantage of her situation, coercing her into performing various tasks, such as conjuring rain. Throughout this ordeal, Shula becomes increasingly aware of the prevailing attitudes towards witches and faces threats that loom over her.

Her journey takes a twist when, after appearing on a chat show where someone questions her schooling, she is enrolled in a school. Here, she meets others who, like her, have been dismissed from typical educational settings. However, Shula’s respite is short-lived; a witch doctor and a farmer forcefully remove her from school, demanding her to enact a rain dance. Exhausted from her efforts to fulfill their wishes, she confesses to her fellow witches that she longs to have become a goat instead of enduring this torment. Later, during the night, she is seen stealthily gathering her ribbon and preparing to escape.

The following morning brings a grim discovery as two men discard a body in a field, and the other witches mourn for Shula, although it remains unclear if the body indeed belongs to her. As they grieve, an unexpected downpour occurs. The truck that usually transports the women is now empty, and the ribbons that once bound them are left free to flutter in the wind, while in the distance, the sound of a goat bleating echoes.

Uncover the Details: Timeline, Characters, Themes, and Beyond!

Watch Trailers, Clips & Behind-the-Scenes for I Am Not a Witch

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Watch official trailers, exclusive clips, cast interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage from I Am Not a Witch. Dive deeper into the making of the film, its standout moments, and key production insights.


Trailer

US Trailer

BFI London Film Festival Q&A

Mark Kermode reviews I am Not a Witch (2017)

UK Promo

I Am Not a Witch Themes and Keywords

Discover the central themes, ideas, and keywords that define the movie’s story, tone, and message. Analyze the film’s deeper meanings, genre influences, and recurring concepts.


witchafricalittle girlpolicebathtubbathtaking a bathtelephone callribbonsingingjusticeringing telephonetouristwigtv talk showdroughtfreedomaccused of witchcraftzambiabelief in witchcraftcredulityfalse testimonysuperstitionsorcererviolence against a womannon professional castmanipulative behaviormanipulating a childbound womanslaveryfield workforced laborsubmissionginhuman exploitationfemale exploitationloss of freedomf ratedtriple f ratedurinationfirst person titletitle directed by female

I Am Not a Witch Other Names and Titles

Explore the various alternative titles, translations, and other names used for I Am Not a Witch across different regions and languages. Understand how the film is marketed and recognized worldwide.


Es neesmu ragana Я не ведьма 나는 마녀가 아니다 Ben Cadı Değilim Eu Não Sou uma Bruxa Nie jestem czarownicą Δεν Είμαι Μάγισσα 我不是女巫 你才女巫,你全家都女巫

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Other Names for I Am Not a Witch

Explore the alternate titles, translations, and working names for I Am Not a Witch. Learn how the film is known in different regions, languages, and releases, and discover the variations that reflect its cultural reach and marketing choices.


Es neesmu ragana Я не ведьма 나는 마녀가 아니다 Ben Cadı Değilim Eu Não Sou uma Bruxa Nie jestem czarownicą Δεν Είμαι Μάγισσα 我不是女巫 你才女巫,你全家都女巫

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