Susan Chardy With Blk Brit: On Dreams, Diversity, Philanthropy and The Perfect Timing of Her Lead Role in On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

Susan Chardy is a talented Zambian-English, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, known for her versatile career and dedication to social causes. Her screen debut is the lead role as Shula in On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, a feature film directed by Rungano Nyoni, known for the arthouse hit I Am Not a Witch. Earlier this year in May, the film received rave reviews when premiered at Cannes, and most recently won in 2 categories at the BIFA awards. The UK theatrical release is run by Picturehouse Entertainment from 6th December.

In addition to her acting career, Susan is a proud mother, wife, and passionate advocate for change, continually finding ways to give back. She is committed to helping communities grow and believes in the transformative power of local initiatives that provide individuals with the tools to improve their lives. A philanthropist and global ambassador, her role with the Global Fund for Children supports children’s rights and amplifies the voices of young people worldwide. This follows her longstanding tenure with the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund UK. Susan’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to found an events agency, including establishing Wimby Wednesday, an annual pre-Wimbledon fundraiser that highlights various charitable causes. 

In conversation with Blk Brit, Susan gets candid about her career journey, diverse storytelling, navigating keeping your dreams alive, the importance of networks and divine timing.

Navy blazer with gold buttons by SANDRO, Navy tailored Cargo pants by SANDRO, patent black heel CHRISTIAN LUBOUTIN. Earrings and rings by Juliana Xerez Fine Jewellry

Recently you went to Zurich to receive the award for On Becoming a Guinea Fowl; did you have a nice trip? 

It was such great fun—I had the chance to meet Lee Daniels, who presented the award, which was absolutely incredible! He is such a lovely and warm man! I’d never been to Zurich before, and although I didn’t get to see much of it—literally landing, attending the awards, doing what needed to be done, and then leaving—I’ll definitely make a point to go back another time.

Tell us about your experience portraying Shula and working with Rungano Nyoni in bringing the story to life.

Working with Rungano was truly special. I’m incredibly grateful to her for trusting me with the role as it was my first feature film. She saw something in me and believed I could bring her vision of Shula to life, which means so much. Rungano gave us as actors the freedom to collaborate and bring our own interpretations to the characters while being thoughtfully guided by her. It was such a rewarding partnership, and with her portfolio, including I Am Not a Witch, it was an honour to work under her direction.

Playing Shula was, at times, a magical and almost spiritual experience. There were moments on set, surrounded by the powerful voices and songs of incredible women, that felt so empowering. Being in that space, tasked with bringing Shula to life alongside such an amazing group of people, made the entire experience unforgettable. It’s something I will always cherish.

That's beautiful. It’s amazing when you have a great project and also enjoy the experience because that's not always the case on set, or across industries even. So that's a great way to be introduced to the world of acting and film. What is it that attracted you to the script when you read it to say yes, I definitely want to play this role? 

Initially, it began with an interview. Rungano posed these carefully crafted questions that revealed exactly what she was looking for in the answers, even though at that stage, I hadn’t seen a script. Of course, I’d done my research, and I remember thinking, I absolutely have to be part of this project. In my mind, I already knew how much I wanted it after seeing what she’d accomplished previously—it felt like a dream opportunity to work with her.

Then, when I finally got the script, it hit me just how important this story was. Speaking from my own experience and those of my friends and people I know, in Zambia there’s a cultural tendency to approach trauma with this mentality of, Feel it for a moment, then pull yourself together and move on. Whatever you’ve just gone through, no matter how deep, you have to pick yourself up and carry on—because no one else will do it for you. But this film really invites you to sit with that trauma, to let it affect you, and to take yourself on a journey with it.

While the storyline is firmly rooted in Zambian culture, it also speaks to something universal. It tackles the idea that it’s okay to speak out, even against elders—a particularly poignant theme in our culture, where there’s such a strong emphasis on respecting your elders and staying quiet unless spoken to. That’s something many of my African friends from across the continent can also relate to, which makes the story resonate even more deeply. It’s an important message, and I feel incredibly honoured to be part of telling it.

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl has received wide recognition across the board, with nominations at renowned film arenas such as Cannes. How important is it to have diversity of representation and stories within those spaces? 

It’s so important, especially to see a film from Zambia make it to Cannes. For a young Zambian child dreaming of a career in film, sitting at home watching ZNBC, SNBC, or even now having cable with DSTV, the world of international cinema can feel so far out of reach. But hearing that a Zambian director has taken a film—in your language—to Cannes, which is essentially the ‘holy grail’ of film festivals, it shifts something. Cannes is to film what the Oscars are to Hollywood, and seeing a Zambian film there allows you to dream just a little bit bigger. It makes you feel that, actually, it is possible.

Representation is so vital, and having people telling stories from their own cultures makes all the difference. That’s why it was incredible to have a Zambian director like Rungano leading this film. She understands how to authentically showcase our culture to an audience. It’s about truth, isn’t it? If anyone knows how to tell the story honestly, it’s someone who has lived her version of it, who understands its nuances.

And the reach of this film is inspiring—representation across so many platforms and festivals: the British Film Festival, New York Film Festival, Zurich, Melbourne, and others around the world. It’s not just a proud moment for Zambia; it’s a reminder to everyone that our stories matter and deserve to be told on a global stage.

Navy blazer with gold buttons by SANDRO, Navy tailored Cargo pants by SANDRO, patent black heel CHRISTIAN LUBOUTIN. Earrings and rings by Juliana Xerez Fine Jewellry

The film does address some universal issues like women’s rights but through the nuance of the Zambian lens. Were there any challenges for you delivering emotionally charged subjects, and what do you feel the impact is showing these themes from this specific cultural perspective?

There isn’t a big reveal or dramatic “aha” moment in the film, which I found really beautiful. Instead, it slowly unfolds, sinking in as you watch, and you begin to piece together the various stories and threads coming together. It’s about finding your own space within that narrative, letting Shula exist in this world that’s been created around her—a world that draws you in and takes you on a journey alongside her.

One of the most fascinating challenges I loved exploring with Shula was her ability to be heard, even when she wasn’t speaking. That felt incredibly special to experience and play with—getting stuck into the subtle, nitty-gritty aspects of how she expresses herself without words. There were moments that were particularly difficult, though. In some of the funeral scenes, I could truly feel the pain in the women’s voices and the songs. It was haunting at times—it added so much depth to the performance but it stays with you. Sometimes, even after the Rungano called “cut,” you could still hear it faintly. I’d wonder, Is that in my head, or is it someone still quietly trying to gather themselves in the background?

Rungano was incredible through it all. She gave us so much space, time, and respect to process when we needed it. Production would sometimes be in the background, ready to move on, but she protected us, ensuring we had the room to handle those moments. I’m so grateful to her for that. I lost my mum in 2017, and she sang in a choir, so those voices hit differently for me. There’s something about African culture—the soul, the way music moves you. It’s so powerful, and hearing it in that context brought back memories. It was tough, but it was also beautiful to relive and connect with that part of myself through the film.

Thank you for sharing that. So before coming into acting, you've got a diverse career journey- you've been a model and entrepreneur among other things. Which moments or projects stand out as impactful in shaping your career as a whole?

Hmm…I’d say modelling, although it wasn’t something I ever aspired to do—I got scouted. My first dream was to be a professional tennis player, which I didn’t pursue, but I ended up marrying one (laughs). I studied acting, which was my true passion, but modelling came along and became part of my journey. Now I’m finally doing what I’ve always wanted to do, and I wouldn’t change how it all played out.

There’s so much life experience in my toolbox now that I didn’t have back then. Sure, it would have been amazing to have started acting 10 or 15 years ago, building my career, but I believe everything happens in God’s timing. Modelling gave me a level of self-confidence I never thought I’d have. I started to see myself differently—seeing my own beauty in those images and thinking, Wow, that’s me! I’m really thankful for that part of my journey.

At the same time, holding onto the dream of acting for so long gave me an extra drive. Back then, I couldn’t take the leap—I was supporting my family, and taking a risk on acting just wasn’t feasible. But that dream stayed alive in me, and when the time came, I was ready to fully commit. This is the first time in my life I’ve chosen to pursue something entirely for me—not because someone scouted me, not because someone told me I was good at it, not because it was expected of me. Not to sound cocky, but I’ve always been a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, picking things up and excelling here and there.

But acting is different. It’s the first thing I’ve pursued solely because it’s what I want. The people who love me have supported me and said, “It’s your turn now. You’ve spent your life putting others first; now it’s time to live for yourself.” And little Susan inside me is absolutely buzzing, saying, “Oh my God, we’re finally doing it!”

I love that, it's beautiful, divine timing for you. And to have such an experience in the film project, I'm really happy for you realising your film aspirations in the way you have. 

Thank you! 

Going into your philanthropy, you’ve been a long term advocate for children’s rights and taken roles supporting this; what impact do you hope to make within this space?

Prior to joining the Global Fund for Children, I was an ambassador for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund UK for about 15 years. Giving back has always been a core part of who I am—it’s something I grew up with. When people say, “It takes a village,” that was literally my reality in Zambia. I was raised in a community where everyone looked out for one another, and my mom strongly instilled in me the importance of helping those in need. At one point, I was searching for a way to truly give back when I met Kathi Scott, the Executive Director of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund UK, at an event in South Africa. We connected over my story, and she invited me to speak at a school to inspire young girls. That experience laid the foundation for our relationship, and she later asked me to become an ambassador for the organization.

Over the years, I poured myself into that work, hosting fundraisers, raising awareness, and supporting their mission. But after 15 years, I felt like I could do even more—I had more to give. That’s when serendipity stepped in. At a rooftop party hosted by a mutual friend, I met Antoine De Guillenchmidt, who serves on the board of the Global Fund for Children (GFC). As we talked, he mentioned the work GFC was doing and suggested I meet the team. The timing couldn’t have been better. While the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund gave me a foundation, my individual capacity was limited in terms of resources and reach. GFC, with its extensive network and backing, offered the opportunity to scale my efforts. When I met the board, they offered me a global ambassador role covering Africa and Europe—a role that would allow me to contribute on a much larger scale.

For me, growth is essential. Whether it’s in a career, a relationship, or philanthropy, we always strive for expansion. GFC’s global reach and resources allow me to take ideas I’ve always dreamed of and bring them to life. They’re connected to foundations and organizations working deep in remote villages—places where incredible work is being done but often goes unnoticed. By helping these grassroots organizations gain visibility, we can connect them with influential partners and funding that takes their work to the next level. It’s not about the recognition or rewards; it’s about creating a ripple effect of kindness and impact. Supporting these changemakers means they can touch more lives, inspiring others in turn. I feel deeply honoured to serve as an ambassador for GFC. Beyond fundraising, I’m planning to visit some of these remote locations, to be on the ground and contribute where I can make the most difference. It’s about rolling up my sleeves and being part of the change firsthand. That’s the work that fulfils me the most.

Balancing your career, motherhood and philanthropy, you've touched on the importance of support networks but it still must be challenging. How do you prioritise each area and how do they influence each other?

I’m fortunate to have a lot of support from friends, though family support was mainly when I was younger, as it’s just my dad here in England, and he’s 2 hours away (laughs). My son is my main priority—if I know he’s in a safe, happy place, only then can I fully focus on work. When I’m on set or preparing for a role, I need to have complete mental clarity, so ensuring he’s settled is crucial for me. That said, balancing everything as a mother, especially in this industry, can be challenging. For example, if I were offered a role that required filming in Peru for 5 weeks, it would be tough to manage. My son is only 4, but he’s so much like me—he loves adventure and has already come along with me to Zambia.

However, it’s not always simple. You need a strong and trustworthy support network, people you can rely on in case something comes up last minute, so you can be fully present when you’re working. I’m incredibly lucky to have a wonderfully supportive husband, who is completely “Team Susan.” He goes out of his way to make sure I have whatever I need to be in a good headspace for work, and I truly adore him for that. I also make it a priority to carve out time for myself—whether it’s going to the gym or doing something that helps me reset mentally. It’s about using the time you have wisely and avoiding procrastination, which I’m definitely getting better at.

I can relate, it is a challenge. Sometimes you need to rebalance things, an ongoing process-

Yeah It's a lot. You’ve just got to juggle it all and figure it out. 

So another thing I wanted to ask you about was Wimby Wednesday- it’s such a great concept. Can you share how it started and how you decide which causes to support each year? 

Once again, I was trying to find a way to give back. My husband, who has just retired from playing tennis and is now coaching, created a community around me, and I thought, “How can I encourage young people to find something that makes them feel they’re contributing, not just for themselves but for others as well?” It doesn’t matter if it’s at their own pace or through finances or simply their time—everyone has something to offer. I’ve always loved hosting, so I decided to organise an event. A few of my friends are from the tennis world, so it seemed a natural fit. My husband was, of course, supportive and helped pull together some players. We reached out to the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), who loved the idea and backed it from the start, which was fantastic.

So, I gathered everyone together. Nothing was set in stone, and there was no pressure; I just wanted to bring people together. For the first event, I chose the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund as the foundation to support, given my longstanding role as their ambassador. After that, people would suggest foundations, and I would consider which ones align with my values and where I felt attention was needed. It’s just me running the event—no board, no big organisation behind it, just me (I am Wimby -laughs) in my little office handling everything from advertising to sponsorships (though, Louise Jacobi, another tennis player’s girlfriend has been amazing in helping me out).

The event serves as an introduction to different foundations. Attendees are invited to speak with representatives from these organisations, and if something resonates with them, they can get in touch afterwards to learn more or offer support—whether that’s through donations, running marathons for fundraising, or finding the foundation on social media. The key is that everyone has fun, but they also leave with the knowledge of something meaningful they can contribute to, whether it’s financially or by offering their time. Ultimately, the goal is to do one thing for society, for yourself, and keep that connection alive.

Navy blazer with gold buttons by SANDRO, Navy tailored Cargo pants by SANDRO, patent black heel CHRISTIAN LUBOUTIN. Earrings and rings by Juliana Xerez Fine Jewellry

I love this, just that doing that one thing can effect change and it has such a big domino effect. 

Absolutely! I truly believe we often underestimate the power we have as individuals. The smallest acts can have such a profound impact. A simple compliment can change someone’s day, and even sending something as small as £5 to a place like Malawi can make a huge difference. It might seem small, but for someone, it could be a lifeline—maybe just for a day or two, but that doesn’t diminish its significance. You’ve given someone dignity, hope, and the chance to carry on. You never really know how far that small gesture can go, but it’s enough to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

Yes, acts of kindness are such a powerful thing, and hearing your perspective has been so lovely. Final question; with future projects is there anything that would pique your interest in particular?

I feel it’s so important to tell stories that truly resonate with you or to collaborate with people who mean more to you than just their status as big directors. When there’s a deeper connection, it creates something truly special. That said, I do remind myself that, since I’m still at the beginning of my acting career, when things start to get intense, I’d love to try a rom-com or an action film. I’ve always thought it would be amazing to do something like an action movie with someone like Viola Davis, where we team up to avenge the murder of our long-lost sister, or something equally dramatic (laughs). A mix of The Woman King and James Bond—I’m all in!

Right now, with everything happening in the world, it’s hard to not feel the weight of it all, especially with my work around children’s rights and seeing their vulnerability. It’s tough. But art—whether it’s film, music, or anything else—can offer that much-needed glimmer of hope, a space to breathe. Sometimes, we all need to come up for air because it can feel incredibly heavy. I hope to find a balance between projects that speak to me deeply, like On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, and those that can help lift my own spirit while maybe giving someone else a bit of relief too. There are so many incredible people I want to work with, so I’m excited to see where that journey leads.

Photographer: David Reiss

Styling: Miranda Almond

Hair: Deborah Lola

Make-up: Maria Asadi

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