Bursting with the colorful street style and music of Nairobi’s vibrant youth culture, the story follows Kena (Samantha Mugatsia) and Ziki (Sheila Munyiva), who have been told that “good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives.” When love blossoms between them, they must choose between happiness and security. Initially banned in Kenya for its candor in portraying a lesbian relationship, Rafiki won a landmark supreme court case challenging Kenyan anti-LGBT legislation.

Upcoming Showtimes

Friday, May 10: 7 p.m.

Sunday, May 12: 5 p.m.

"[A]t home, where homosexuality remains a criminal offense, Rafiki has been slapped with a ban for its positive representation — a state of affairs that makes this lively, brightly performed film impossible not to celebrate...." – Variety

"[A] vibrant, pulsing piece of work, keying off the joy of young love and unexpected discovery." – Flavorwire

"[W]ith Rafiki, the director has produced a wholly new vision of African filmmaking that is vibrant, compassionate, and joyous." – Cinema Scope

"A burst of unfiltered teenage energy. Lively and full of vision! [Kahiu] has a wonderful eye for detail and lyricism." – Vulture

"A dynamic, smoothly-executed tale of impossible love that brings fresh energy to a subject that may seem overly familiar to western eyes. ...[R]eminiscent of the early work of Spike Lee." – Screen Daily

"[B]y framing an effervescent lesbian romance against a backdrop of political allegiance and the societal taboos surrounding LGBTQ rights, Rafiki finds its voice – and deserves to shout it, loud and clear." – Dazed

"The story's simplicity and directness are a big part of its charm." – BBC

Read Screen Daily and Sight & Sound reviews.

Read an interview with the filmmaker.

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