Rafiki, the Kenyan LGBTQI+ film with the law on its side

Arts, Culture and Sport

Rafiki, the Kenyan LGBTQI+ film with the law on its side

Rafiki, the first Kenyan film to premiere at Cannes and the recipient of an international commendation, was banned in its country of origin by the Kenya Film Classification Board. The film’s creator has now won a court case to temporarily lift the ban, making it eligible to enter for the Foreign Language Oscar.

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Rafiki, the highly debated coming-of-age love story of two young girls, was banned in Kenya by the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) for “promoting homosexuality”. The board felt the film was “morally subversive” and would not allow it to air.

Wanuri Kahiu, the film’s creator and producer, went on to sue KFCB and its head, Ezekiel Mutua, over the ban, stating it was “contrary to the freedom of artistic creativity”. The ban was also a hindrance to the submission of the film to compete in the Best Foreign Language film category of the 2019 Academy Awards, known as the Oscars.

According to the Daily Nation the law suit also sought the following: the declaration of the Kenya Films Classification Guidelines 2012 as illegal, Sh8.5 million (about USD90 000) in compensation for the loss of the film’s projected theatre sales and for loss of sponsorship.

After deliberations, the Kenyan High Court temporarily lifted the ban for the seven days the film needs to qualify for submission – the rules stipulate that the film must be publicly exhibited for at least seven consecutive days at a commercial motion picture venue.

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Giving her ruling, Justice Wilfrida Okwany cited Kenyan artists who have had to leave the country to seek asylum because their creations went against the grain of societal expectations.

The judge said the film’s depiction of the same-sex relationship has been “tolerable” to adult audiences in other countries where homosexuality is also taboo.

“I am not convinced that Kenya is such a weak society whose moral foundation will be shaken by simply watching a film depicting gay themes. Gay themes or the practice of homosexuality did not begin with Rafiki,” Justice Wilfrida Okwany told the courtroom.

“During the seven-day suspension period, the film shall only be open for viewing to willing adults,” she added.

Read: Rafiki by Kenya’s Wanuri Kahiu will be the country’s first feature film at Cannes Festival

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As can be expected, Ezekiel Mutua is displeased with the ruling and took to social media to speak out against it.

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Mutua also added in statement, “It is a sad moment and a great insult, not only to the film industry but to all Kenyans who stand for morality, that a film that glorifies homosexuality is allowed to be the country’s branding tool abroad.”

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Although Mutua issued a subtle threat to local cinemas to not screen the movie without the KFCB’s permission, the ruling overrides his directive and so far one cinema has taken on the daunting task.

Despite Mutua’s vehement protests, the public has taken to the cinema to watch the movie that has put Kenya on the map cinematically. The cinema is also unlikely to regret its decision to screen the film: After the screenings were advertised, This is Africa confirmed that one whole day sold out in hours. The opening day was teeming with movie goers clamouring for tickets.

In addition to the overwhelming support for the movie, Kenyans could not help but mock KFCB:

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The public also remembers when Mutua supported the movie when it was beneficial to the board, before the creators declined to remove a scene from the movie at his behest.

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Whether or not the film is palatable to all, the freedom of artistic expression has won over the unrealistic and heavily biased outlook of the KFCB and many people are rooting for the film in the upcoming Oscars.

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