Rafiki

Foreign Film Series ~ Rafiki

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 - 7:00pm to 8:30pm
  • Chief Theater, 813 Lincoln Ave.
A Cannes Film Festival selection and award-winning drama from Kenya by director Wanuri Kahiu, screening at the Chief Theater.

Bursting with the colorful street style and music of Nairobi’s vibrant youth culture, Rafiki is a tender love story between two young women in a country that still criminalizes homosexuality. Kena and Ziki have long been told that “good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives," but they yearn for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls encourage each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, Kena and Ziki must choose between happiness and safety.

Initially banned in Kenya for its positive portrayal of queer romance, Rafiki won a landmark supreme court case chipping away at Kenyan anti-LGBT legislation. Featuring remarkable performances by newcomers Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva, Rafiki is a hip tale of first love “reminiscent of the early work of Spike Lee"  (Screen Daily) that’s “impossible not to celebrate” (Variety)!

Screens in English and Swahili with English subtitles

 

Run Time: 

83 min.
"A love story for the time"
New York Times