Bradley Malit
Rafiki is a lesbian Kenyan movie by Wanuri Kahiu. Before its release it was banned due to the cultural and norms regularities in Kenya. Last month it was nominated in Jury movie awards.
Lesbian movie Rafiki won two awards at the 23rd annual Twist: Seattle Queer Film Festival. Rafiki which is a lesbian film took home both of the festival`s top awards for narrative film including the audience and jury awards. These were the first awards given to Rafiki by queer film festival, according to Three Dollar Bill Cinema.
Rafiki, the movie by Wanuri Kahiu failed to make 2019 Oscars shortlist despite last minute efforts to have it feature as a consideration for Academy of Science and Arts in Hollywood.
“It did not have the minimum required theatrical release time and a Red Carpet premier event since it was premiered at Community Hall”
The statement further added that while it understood that movies were watched around the country in community facilities, it regrets it is yet to get consent from The Academy to admit such parameters as compliance. The Rafiki crew had a combined efforts with the Creative Economy working group led by Prof Kimani Wa Njogu to have the movie screened after it was banned by Kenya Film Classification Board.
“We must allow the artiste to express themselves just as scientists do” Prof Njogu stated after a free screening at the Goethe Institute in Nairobi. Wanuri Kahiu, the Rafiki director went to court and was last week granted a seven-day screening period by Justice Wilfrida Okwany.
krawnjewelz 