Rafiki 2018 Movie Review

🌈 Love Is Not a Crime – Kenya’s First Queer Romance Blooming Under Oppression

🎥 Film Overview

🎬 Title: Rafiki (2018)
🌍 Country: 🇰🇪 Kenya
🎞️ Genre: Drama / Romance / Queer
🗓️ Production & Release: Big World Cinema, 2018, Feature Film
📢 Director: Wanuri Kahiu
📺 Platform: Amazon Prime Video, Vimeo on Demand, etc.

👩‍💼 Cast: Samantha Mugatsia – Kena Mwaura
Sheila Munyiva – Ziki Okemi

🧩 Story Deep Dive (Spoilers Included)

🩵 Forbidden Love: Kena and Ziki

The heart of the film lies in the pure yet forbidden romance shared between Kena and Ziki.

• Political Rivalry: Kena’s father and Ziki’s father are political rivals competing in a local election. Their love becomes even more dangerous as public political conflict intersects with private social taboos.

🧪 Contrasting Personalities and Chemistry

• Kena: Reserved and cautious, she feels the pressure to conform to social expectations and traditional gender roles. At first, she often dresses in earth-tone, muted colors that reflect her restraint.

• Ziki: Outgoing and daring, she expresses herself through a vibrant “bubblegum pink” aesthetic that captures her artistic and free-spirited nature.

Their relationship blossoms in a society where homosexuality is illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Love can only exist in private, hidden spaces such as dimly lit clubs or inside an abandoned van — their secret safe haven. The actresses’ authentic and unforced chemistry conveys the raw thrill and vulnerability of first love with remarkable tenderness.

🌌 The Significance of the Ending (Hope)

Unlike many queer narratives that end in tragedy, Rafiki chooses a hopeful conclusion — a decision that became one of the key reasons for its censorship. Director Wanuri Kahiu wanted to show that love can endure even within oppression. Through this, she offers queer audiences a vision of both joy and resistance.

⚛️ The Triumph of “Afro-Bubblegum” Aesthetics

Director Wanuri Kahiu describes her creative style as “Afro-Bubblegum” — a deliberate rebellion against Western portrayals that limit African stories to poverty, violence, or tragedy.

• Use of Color: The film employs vivid pinks, bold greens, and warm yellows to create a vibrant and energetic Nairobi.
  • Color and Emotion: Ziki’s pink wardrobe and the bright palette surrounding Kena whenever they’re together symbolize sensuality and liberation, visually amplifying the joy of love.

• Genre Approach: Though the story tackles heavy social issues, it retains the tone and rhythm of a youthful romantic drama. This contrast underscores the joy of love against a backdrop of repression, framing homosexuality not as a forbidden act but as a universal expression of love.

🔬 Socio-Political Context and Censorship Controversy

The true significance of Rafiki extends beyond the film itself. It sparked national debate about homophobia and the suppression of artistic freedom in Kenyan society.

• Banned in Kenya: The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) banned the film, citing a “clear intent to promote homosexuality.” The board particularly objected to the film’s optimistic ending, insisting that queer relationships should lead to “tragic consequences.” This reflects the country’s deep-rooted moral censorship and resistance to positive queer representation.

• Legal Battle and the ‘7 Days of Freedom’: Director Wanuri Kahiu sued the KFCB, arguing for freedom of expression. The court temporarily lifted the ban for seven days to allow Rafiki to qualify for Oscar consideration. During this short period, theaters across Kenya sold out every screening — turning the film into a cultural milestone that ignited nationwide conversations about freedom and equality.

• Intersectionality: The film contrasts Kena’s working-class background with Ziki’s wealthy upbringing, showing how class differences affect their ability to survive violence and oppression. After the assault, Ziki escapes to London, while Kena remains in Nairobi to endure the aftermath. This contrast highlights the often-overlooked struggle of economically vulnerable queer individuals within broader human rights movements.

Rafiki transcends the boundaries of a simple queer romance. It stands as a symbol of artistic resistance and social transformation. By challenging Kenya’s conservative norms, it boldly asserts that all love is universal and deserves respect.

🎯 Personal Rating

💕 Love Scene Intensity: ♥♥
⭐ Rating: ★★★★