Wanuri Kahui has taken a stand; and it’s paid off.
The director of the controversial film “Rafiki” finally had justice on her side as the High Court ruled against the film’s ban. Therefore the ban from the Kenya Film Classification Board on Rafiki has been suspended for 7 days; allowing Kenyans to watch the film that was feted at the Cannes Film Festival. Reacting to the news, Wanuri was overjoyed with happiness.
I am crying. In a french airport. In SUCH Joy! Our constitution is STRONG! Give thanks to freedom of expression!!!! WE DID IT! We will be posting about Nairobi screening soon. Follow @rafikimovie
— Wanuri (@wanuri) September 21, 2018
She can also now submit #Rafiki, the first Kenyan-made film to show at Cannes, for Oscar consideration. Nomination requires it being screened in Kenya for seven consecutive days.
— @tamerra-griffin.bsky.social (@tamerra_nikol) September 21, 2018
Lead actress Samantha Mugatsia talked to Capital Campus pointing out, ” the movie has been highly politicised even before the public has seen the film. I am excited it’s happening…finally. Wanuri deserves this.”
The announcement has sent Kenyans into a frenzy; with KOT sharing their excitement while some share thier concern for KFCB Director Ezekiel Mutua. However, some many overlook the significance of the ban lift, as it is essential to having the movie nominated for an Oscar; which will be a first for a Kenyan film. Wanuri’s reaction is indicative of how monumental this moment trully is:
Nonetheless, Kenyans were eager to celebrate the good news. Here are the best tweets from K.O.T’s finest:
Justice Okwany: "I am not convinced that Kenya is such a weak society that it cannot handle a gay theme. There are Kenyans who paid the ultimate price for the freedoms we enjoy today! " #Rafiki #lgbtafrica
— kevin mwachiro (@kevmwachiro) September 21, 2018
https://twitter.com/AdrianSurname/status/1043069533995577344
Anyone near Ezekiel [he blocked me, thankfully]? Is he okay?
Is the pornstache okay? Is he worried we will all watch #Rafiki and lose our morals and ruin the country? Is he worried it will trigger a Lesbian Revolt on the proper and Christian state that's KE?
— M. (@Owaahh) September 21, 2018
