Rafiki

Between receiving a standing ovation at Cannes and being banned in its home country for its positive representation of lesbian women, Rafiki has secured its place in cinema history as a brave and beautiful depiction of queer life in Kenya.

Growing up in a culture that believes “good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives”, teenagers Kena and Ziki share a dream of making more for themselves. Despite a political rivalry between their families they manage to grow that shared dream into a deep friendship. However, when they can no longer ignore the fact that their relationship has blossomed into love, the two young women are forced to choose between happiness and their own safety.

Born in a nation where no constitutional protections exist for LGBT people, Rafiki is a shining example of what is possible when artists take remarkable risks.