Seen at...
Rafiki
Original Title
aka: Friends- Director: Wanuri Kahiu
- Writer: Wanuri Kahiu; Jenna Cato Bass
- Producer: Steven Markovitz
CGiii Comment
Hasn't this little film caused quite a stir...in Kenya. Banned, ban temporarily lifted...so that it could qualify for Mr Oscar [it needed a theatrical release]...and then, presumably, banned again! At the time of writing, Rafiki is Kenya's second most successful film. Any guesses as to what is the most successful?!?
A mighty congratulations must go to Wanuri Kahiu [& team]...for getting this made [in Kenya] in the first place. And, a thank you...it is an absolute delight of a film...with some particularly unpleasant moments. Rafiki is a plain-and-simple, run-of-the-mill love-story...between two young women in a religiously-littered, narrow-minded Kenya. So, the plain-and-simple ain't too plain and it - most definitely - ain't so simple.
Samantha Mugatsia & Sheila Munyiva are adorable as the young-in-love couple, their acting is both free and natural...oooh, you just want everything to work out for them. Wanuri Kahiu amplifies the depth of their feelings with very tight framing, the [many] close-ups really do invite you into their affection. So, when a film as affectionate as this is ruffles the feathers of the Kenyan Government...surely, the Kenyan Government should look inwards and ask itself some very serious questions!
A small film with a massive impact. Let us hope it gets the Oscar nod it deserves.
Trailer...
Rafiki - trailer from Rinkel Film on Vimeo.
The(ir) Blurb...
Kena and Ziki long for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls resist and remain close friends, supporting each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, the two girls will be forced to choose between happiness and safety.
Cast & Characters
Patricia Amira as Rose Okemi;
Muthoni Gathecha as Mama Atim;
Jimmy Gathu as John Mwaura;
Nice Githinji as Nduta;
Charlie Karumi as Waireri;
Patricia Kihoro as Josephine;
Neville Misati as Blacksta;
Samantha Mugatsia as Kena;
Sheila Munyiva as Ziki;
Dennis Musyoka as Peter Okemi;
Nini Wacera as Mercy