Rafiki

Synopsis

„Good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives” – at a young age Kena learns what is expected of girls and women in her country: to behave and to obey the orders of men. Or she will end up like her single-mother, who finds herself taking the blame for the separation from her husband, who has left her for a younger woman. But the assertive Kena won’t let others dictate who she should live her life. And so she befriends the pretty Kiki even though their father’s are political opponents. At first they don’t care what people in the neighborhood say but once they fall in love they face a difficult decision: avoiding serious repercussions by hiding their love or a chance for true happiness. Rafiki, based on the award-winning short story Jambula Tree (2008) by Ugandan writer Monica Arac de Nyeko, was the first Kenyan film invited to the Cannes Film Festival. In Kenya the film was banned until the director took legal actions.” (Salzgeber)

Around The World in 14 Films 2018, presented by Vincenzo Bugno

In cooperation with the World Cinema Fund (WCF) of the Berlinale