“Rafiki,” which comes out on Friday, was directed by Wanuri Kahiu. The Nairobi-born director (b. 1980) has just one other feature-length film under her belt, “From a whisper.” She’s new on the scene, young(er) and taking risks. In “Rafiki” Kena (Samantha Mugatsia) and Ziki (Sheila Munyiva) eye each other from across the street, with a mixture of suspicion and attraction. The former is thin like ... more >
ARCHIVES

“Rafiki,” a Kenyan tale of sapphic love
What good Kenyan girls also do
Samantha Mugatsia, Neville Misati and Nice Githinji
Directed by Wanuri Kahiu

CANNES FESTIVAL, “Rafiki” or a tale of forbidden sapphic love
"Rafiki" means friend in Swahili
Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva
Directed by Wanuri Kahiu
In the Un Certain Regard category, which was created by honorary president Gilles Jacob to allow for some generational renewal in the festival’s programming grid, “Rafiki,” directed by newcomer filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu. The Nairobi-born director (b. 1980) had just one other feature-length film under her belt, “From a whisper,” before coming to Cannes, in the spirit of what was intended with this ... more >