Dutch premiere of Rafiki at the International Film Festival Rotterdam

The film RAFIKI of director Wanuri Kahiu will have its Dutch premiere at the International Film Festival Rotterdam. Producer Rinkel Film and distributor Cinemien have announced this today. The film, with in the leading roles Samantha Mugatsia (Kena) and Sheila Munyiva (Ziki), is selected in the category Voices: Limelight. The scenario is written by Wanuri Kahiu and Jenna Bass. The film was produced by Big World Cinema (ZA) in coproduction with Reinier Selen from Rinkel Film, MPM Films (FR), Schortcut Films (LB), Ape&Bjørn (NO), Razor Film (DE), Afrobubblegum (KE).

The 48th edition of IFFR will take place from Wednesday 23 January till Sunday 3 February 2019. The Voices: Limelight programme section includes avant premieres of the big names of international cinema and gives an overview of films that are driven by their powerful stories, their distinct characters, their captivating subjects and important themes. Each film brings a distinct viewpoint on the world we live in, told by filmmakers with a confident voice.

“Good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives”, but Kena and Ziki aim for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, they resist and remain close friends supporting each other to pursue their dreams in an oppressive society. When love arouses between them, the pressure becomes unbearable forcing the two girls to ultimately choose between happiness and safety.

The makers

The film is directed by Wanuri Kahiu, known for RAS STAR, FROM A WHISPER and PUMZI. She received several awards for her last two films. The scenario of RAFIKI is written by Wanuri Kahiu and Jenna Bass (THE TUNNEL, LOVE THE ONE YOU LOVE, HIGH FANTASY). The film is produced by Big World Cinema (ZA) in coproduction with Reinier Selen from Rinkel Film (ACCUSED., SÜSKIND, COOL KIDS DON’T CRY, BACKSLIDE), MPM Films (FR), Schortcut Films (LB), Ape&Bjørn (NO), Razor Film (DE), Afrobubblegum (KE). The film will be distributed in the BENELUX by Cinemien and the international sales will be organized by MPM Premium.

The film is financed by the ACP-EU Support Programme (ZA), Schortcut Films (LB), Netherlands Film Fund + Hubert Bals Fund (NL), Berlinale World Cinema Fund (DE), CNC Cinema du Monde (FR), Sorfond (NO).