Kenyan lesbian film ‘Rafiki’ has been banned in Kenya by Kenya films and classification board (KFCB). The film had been selected to show case at the Cannes Festival this year.
The film would be the first Kenyan film to debut at the festival. The film was written by Wanuri who announced that the film had been banned in Kenya.She said that she believed that adults in Kenya had been denied the right to discern the content they want to watch
I am incredibly sorry to announce that our film RAFIKI has been banned in Kenya. We believe adult Kenyans are mature and discerning enough to watch local content but their right has been denied. #Cannes2018 #AKenyanFirst— Wanuri (@wanuri) April 27, 2018
The banning of this movie is a contradiction to what Ezekiel Mutua had said that he celebrated the nomination of the film as it told the Kenyan story of young people who are struggling with sexuality. He was speaking at Jeff and Jalas show on Hot 96.
The National gay and lesbians Human Rights Commission (NGLHRC) has condemned the film bu the KFCB and have congratulated the producer Wanuri on her nomination.
This begs the question, had the film not been nominated (FYI We are so proud of Wanuri and the team), would @EzekielMutua still celebrate her? The the film and our diversity? #QueerFilm— The Commission_Ke (@NGLHRC) April 18, 2018
Wanuri Kahiu's film 'RAFIKI' to premiere at Cannes Film Festival https://t.co/hzeBscCf6a
They have said that Ezekiel Mutua’s support fr the film was fake as he only wanted too go for the Cannes festival to meet the greats.
The film is about a love story between its female friends,“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.”
Here is the trailer
