Rafiki

As the first Kenyan film ever to screen at the Cannes Film Festival, RAFIKI was a significant hit there in 2018.

Still, in Kenya, the film is banned and has been allowed only a few select screenings. Homosexuality is officially banned in Kenya, so the film's depiction of a love affair between two women makes it highly controversial. Rafiki follows Kena og Ziki, both daughters of high-ranking politicians. They meet and fall in love, and therefore risk not only imprisonment and social exclusion, but also being subject to violence. Rafiki is a colourful and sparkling love story full of joy, heartache, and rebellious energy.

Per Eirik Gilsvik (Films from the South 2018)

Age limit Alle

Language Swahili, English

Runtime 1h 22m

Country Kenya

Year 2018

Director Wanuri Kahiu

Screenplay Wanuri Kahiu, Jenna Cato Bass, Monica Arac de Nyeko

Cinematography Christopher Wessels

Producer Wanuri Kahiu, Steven Markowitz, Marie-Pierre Macia, Steven Markovitz, Gerhard Meixner, Roman Paul, Georges Schoucair, Reinier Selen, Ruben Thorkildsen

Cast Samantha Mugatsia, Neville Misati, Nice Githinji

Production Company Big World Cinema

Norwegian co-producer Verona Meier, Ruben Thorkildsen

Norwegian co-production company Storm Films (Ape & Bjørn)

Links IMDb