6.6/10
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13 user 64 critic

Rafiki (2018)

| Drama, Romance | 19 April 2019 (USA)
Rafiki Poster
Trailer
1:49 | Trailer
"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 »
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16 wins & 17 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 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 ... 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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Photos

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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 | one word title | f rated | kenya | lesbian | See All (37) »

Genres:

Drama | Romance

Certificate:

See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

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Did You Know?

Trivia

The title means "friend" in the Kiswahili language and indicates the need in an intolerant society to disguise a same sex romance as a platonic friendship. See more »

Soundtracks

Stay
Performed by Njoki Karu (Beth Nijoki)
See more »

User Reviews

 
I Enjoyed it!
5 August 2019 | by cmrosado-260-776196 – See all my reviews

Congratulations on your movie. I just want to say that i watched a very similar movie some months ago. It's spanish and it's called Carmen & Lola, the love between two gipsy girls. Almost the same story and just like yours, a good movie too.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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Videos

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site | Official site [Germany] | See more »

Country:

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

Language:

English | Swahili

Release Date:

19 April 2019 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Rafiki See more »

Filming Locations:

Nairobi, Kenya See more »
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Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$16,016, 21 April 2019

Gross USA:

$137,968

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$181,316
See more on IMDbPro »

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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