‘Rafiki’ Screenings Sell Out After Kenya Lifts Ban

Rafiki, a Kenyan drama centered on a lesbian romance, has premiered to sold-out crowds in the East African country after the government temporarily lifted its ban on the LGBTQ film, according to CNN.

Wonderful full houses across 2 screens this morning. Thank you Nairobi!! #SevenDaysOfRafiki pic.twitter.com/g9Rt35KRpx

— Rafiki Movie (@rafikimovie) September 23, 2018

The Wanuri Kahiu-directed film is based on Jambula Tree, the 2007 Caine Prize-winning short story by Monica Arac de Nyeko. It premiered to rave reviews at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival. In April, however, Kenya’s Film and Classification Board prohibited the screening of the film because of its lesbian theme.

The @InfoKfcb has banned the film "RAFIKI" due to its homosexual theme and clear intent to promote lesbianism in Kenya contrary to the law and dominant values of the Kenyans. #KFCBbansLesbianFilm Dr. @EzekielMutua @moscakenya @PresidentKE @WilliamsRuto @wanuri @NellyMuluka pic.twitter.com/9hBQOukHv3

— KFCB (@InfoKfcb) April 27, 2018

Kahiu filed a lawsuit challenging the censorship of the film earlier this month. The director’s legal team argued that her right to free speech was violated.

The temporary lift allows individuals 18 and older to watch the movie between Sept. 23  and  Sept. 29.

#Rafiki is a gorgeous film. A reflection of how shitty this country is. How beautiful things still grow. The ban was utter nonsense. I don’t even get why the rating is 18.

Anyway, they have increased the screening times. Go watch! pic.twitter.com/Jt7y9XlfEr

— Mūrūthi (@Ngartia) September 24, 2018

Kenyan-born actress Lupita Nyong’o showed support for the movie, tweeting, “Great news. The Kenyan High Court lifted the ban on the film #RAFIKI and it plays for only 7 days making it eligible for Academy Awards submission! Run and go see it!”

Great news: The Kenyan High Court lifted the ban on the film #RAFIKI and it plays for only 7 days making it eligible for Academy Awards submission! Run and go see it! Follow @rafikifilm for details! Great day for the creative industry in Kenya! Congratulations @wanuri!

— Lupita Nyong'o (@Lupita_Nyongo) September 22, 2018