6.3/10
582
5 user 45 critic

Rafiki (2018)

| Drama | 19 April 2019 (USA)
Rafiki Poster
Trailer
1:49 | Trailer

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Release Date: April 19

"Good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives," but Kena and Ziki long for something more. When love blossoms between them, the two girls will be forced to choose between happiness and safety.

Director:

Wanuri Kahiu

Writers:

Wanuri Kahiu, Jenna Cato Bass | 1 more credit »

Stars:

Samantha Mugatsia, Neville Misati, Nice Githinji | See full cast & crew »
62
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9 wins & 14 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Samantha Mugatsia Samantha Mugatsia ... Kena Mwaura
Neville Misati Neville Misati ... Blacksta
Nice Githinji Nice Githinji ... Nduta
Charlie Karumi ... Waireri
Muthoni Gathecha Muthoni Gathecha ... Mama Atim
Vitalis Waweru Vitalis Waweru ... Tom
Sheila Munyiva Sheila Munyiva ... Ziki Okemi
Mellen Aura Mellen Aura ... Elizabeth
Leila Weema Leila Weema ... Elizabeth's Friend
Jimmy Gathu Jimmy Gathu ... John Mwaura
Nini Wacera Nini Wacera ... Mercy
Stephen Ruiru Stephen Ruiru ... Motorbike Passenger
Mburu Kimani Mburu Kimani ... Delivery Truck Driver
Githae Njogu Githae Njogu ... Pastor
Dennis Musyoka Dennis Musyoka ... Peter Okemi
See full cast »
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Storyline

Kena and Ziki long for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls resist and remain close friends, supporting each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, the two girls will be forced to choose between happiness and safety. Inspried by Monica Arac de Nyeko's "Jambula Tree", which chronicles a story of two girls in love in Uganda, "Rafiki" challenges deep rooted cynicism about same sex relationships among actors, crew, friends, and family in Kenya. Written by sydsauce

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

title directed by female | See All (1) »

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

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Parents Guide:

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Twitter page

Country:

Kenya | South Africa | Germany | Netherlands | France | Norway | Lebanon

Language:

English | Swahili

Release Date:

19 April 2019 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Amie See more »

Filming Locations:

Nairobi, Kenya

Company Credits

Production Co:

Big World Cinema, MPM Film, Schortcut Films See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

It is inspired by Ugandan Monica Arac de Nyeko's 2007 Caine Prize-winning short story "Jambula Tree". See more »

Soundtracks

Stay
Performed by Njoki Karu (Beth Nijoki)
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User Reviews

 
An African Classic
11 May 2018 | by uaejon – See all my reviews

Lets remember this is an African production so look beyond the occasional lack of big budget filming. This film has a great story and keeps you watching until the end which is more than can be said for many Hollywood movies. Kudos to all involved and the fact Kenyan authorities have chosen to ban it suggests they fear how good this films moral lessons actually is.
28 of 29 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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