Rafiki

Rafiki, a vibrant and riveting film from 2018, is a profound exploration of two young women coming to terms with their sexuality amidst societal norms and expectations in Nairobi, Kenya. Directed by Wanuri Kahiu, the film is an adaptation of the Uganda-based author Monica Arac de Nyeko's short story 'Jambula Tree'. The film stars Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva as the two protagonists, with Neville Misati and Nice Githinji in supporting roles.

Set in a conservative society, the film represents a deeply audacious tale of forbidden love. Samantha Mugatsia plays the character Kena, a tomboyish, skateboard-loving young woman intent on pursuing more from herself and life than the traditional roles that society dictates. She's bright, intelligent, and holds aspirations of becoming a nurse. On the other hand, Ziki, played by Sheila Munyiva, embodies the color and energy of youth. She's playful, full of life, and dreams of traveling abroad and exploring life outside the confines of their community. This stark contrast in their personalities contributes to the palpable chemistry between them, which elevates the complexity and investment of viewers in their relationship.

Neville Misati and Nice Githinji also deliver commendable performances. Misati plays the role of Blacksta, a marginalized individual who possesses a complicated relationship with Kena. Meanwhile, Githinji takes on the role of Mama Atim, a symbol of the strict societal norms that our protagonists feel pressured to conform to, contributing significantly to the whole dynamics of the story.

The narrative of Rafiki evolves against the backdrop of a political election, as Kena's father runs for a local position. The politics of their parents provides the initial context of Kena and Ziki's interaction, but their relationship soon develops into an intimate friendship and eventually, into a secret, romantic affair. Their blooming love, however, is in direct defiance of the community's deeply-entrenched homophobic attitudes, marking them as targets of blatant discrimination and violence.

Rafiki presents a rich palette of colors, sounds, and sights of Nairobi. Vibrant cinematography by Christopher Wessels captures the joyous and the punishing, the harmony and the chaos, the love and the hate, painting a poignant image of a society battling its own traditions. Through the aesthetic beauty of the film, the director artfully juxtaposes the intense, painful realities our characters face, thus making for an intriguing cinematic experience.

Music plays a particularly significant role in the overall narrative of the film. Local Kenyan music closely ties into the plot, representing the cultural resonance and grounding the characters in their environment. It is poignant and full of emotion, making it a powerful tool in shaping the film's atmosphere and the viewer's experience.

Even though Rafiki is a tale of love, it also narrates a story of rebellion and courage. Kena and Ziki's love story is about the search for identity and self-realization in a world that continuously upholds rigid norms and standards. The film is a reflective critique of societal prejudices that challenge fundamental human rights, including the freedom to love.

Rafiki created a significant stir upon its release. The movie was banned in Kenya due to its positive portrayal of homosexuality, a topic still considered taboo in many African societies. Despite the ban, the film gained international recognition, becoming the first Kenyan film to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, highlighting the urgencies of the global conversation on LGBTQ+ rights.

In essence, Rafiki is a cinematic portrait of resilience, courage and the potency and universality of love, asserting itself as an emblematic film that confronts prejudice and fights for a humane cause. What makes this film so essential and powerful is not just its bold storytelling but its potentiality to ignite a conversation surrounding LGBTQ+ rights in societies that remain resolutely silent. With a great ensemble of the cast, beautiful cinematography, and a stirring soundtrack, Rafiki delivers an unforgettable cinematic experience.