Rafiki
“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.
Based on the novel Jambula Tree by Monica Arac de Nyeko.
STATUS
Completed
RELEASE YEAR
2018
GENRE
Drama
LANGUAGE
English, Swahili, Sheng
DIRECTOR
Wanuri Kahiu
WRITERS
Wanuri Kahiu and Jenna Bass
CAST
Samantha Mugatsia, Sheila Munyiva
CO-PRO
Big World Cinema (ZA), MPM Films (FR), Schortcut Films (LB), Ape&Bjørn (NO), Rinkel Film (NL), Razor Film (DE), Afrobubblegum (KE)
FINANCIERS
ACP-EU Support Programme (ZA), Schortcut Films (LB), NFF + HBF (NL), Berlinale World Cinema Fund (DE), CNC Cinema du Monde (FR), Sorfond (NO)
FESTIVALS
LUCAS Kinder & Jugendfilmfestival – Bridging The Borders Award (Youngsters Award)
Chicago International Film Festival – Silver Q-Hugo
Newfest – The New York Gay & Lesbian Film Festival – Winner Narrative Feature
Madrid International LGBTIQ Film Festival, LesGaiCineMad – Best Acting , Jury Prize
Cartharge Film Festival – Best Actress, Best Music
Cannes Film Festival (Un Certain Regard)
Karlovy Vary International Film Festival
Durban International Film Festival
Sydney Film Festival
New Zealand International Film Festival