Kena and Ziki long for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls resist and remain close friends, supporting each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, the two girls will be forced to choose between happiness and safety. Inspried by Monica Arac de Nyeko’s “Jambula Tree”, which chronicles a story of two girls in love in Uganda, “Rafiki” challenges deep rooted cynicism about same sex relationships among actors, crew, friends, and family in Kenya.
Rafiki (Swahili for ‘”friend”‘) is a 2018 Kenyan drama film directed by Wanuri Kahiu. Rafiki is the story of romance that grows between two young women, Kena and Ziki, amidst family and political pressures around LGBT rights in Kenya. The film had its international premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival; it was the first Kenyan film to be screened at the festival.
Rafiki (2019)
Directed by: Wanuri Kahiu
Starring: Samantha Mugatsia, Neville Misati, Nice Githinji, Charlie Karumi, Muthoni Gathecha, Vitalis Waweru, Sheila Munyiva, Mellen Aura, Leila Weema, Jimmy Gathu, Stephen Ruiru
Screenplay by: Wanuri Kahiu, Jenna Cato Bass
Production Design by: Arya Lalloo
Cinematography by: Christopher Wessels
Film Editing by: Isabelle Dedieu, Ronelle Loots
Costume Design by: Wambui Thimba
Distributed by: Film Movement
Release Date: April 19, 2019
Visits: 26
