Rafiki
First screened in September 2018 / Most recently screened in October 2018
Director: Wanuri Kahiu. Cast: Samantha Mugatsia, Sheila Munyiva, Nice Githinji, Neville Misati, Muthoni Gathecha, Jimmy Gathu, Patricia Amira, Dennis Musyoka, Charlie Karumi, Mary Wanjiku, Priscilla Wanjiku, Githae Njogu, Nini Wacera, Vitalis Waweru. Screenplay: Wanuri Kahiu and Jenna Cato Bass.

 Twitter Capsule: Lesbian love story has an aesthetic and does important cultural work. Some aspects newer, more sophisticated than others.

Second Capsule: Still hard not to feel the first half sets up a more complex story than the second half delivers. But plenty to recommend.

VOR: ④  The ban in Kenya only crystallizes what a bold and unique act this film constitutes, and its palette and style are rare. Less fresh in other ways.


Photo © 2018 Huanxi Media Group/Xstream Pictures/Shanghai Film Group/
Office Kitano/MK2 Productions, © 2019 Cohen Media Group

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: B–

Awards:
Chicago International Film Festival: Silver Q-Hugo (runner-up for Best LGBTQ Feature)
Permalink Home 2018 (wp) 2019 (us) ABC Blog E-Mail