Kenyan Film 'Rafiki ' a drama about two girls who fall in love banned

The first Kenyan entry ever nominated for an award at the Cannes Film Festival will debut in France in two weeks — but it is now illegal for Kenyans back home to watch it.

The Kenyan Film Classification Board on Friday April 27,2018 banned the film, “Rafiki,” a drama about two Kenyan girls who fall in love. Ezekiel Mutua, the board’s chief executive officer, said the film “legitimizes homosexuality against the dominant values, cultures and beliefs of the people of Kenya.”

Mr. Mutua said the film board’s ruling did not represent a ban on homosexual content.

“Homosexuality is a reality,” he said. “What we are against is the endeavor to show that as a way of life in Kenya.”

In the film, directed, written and co-produced by Wanuri Kahiu, the girls are separated by their communities, which oppose their relationship.

Ms. Kahiu said the film included several scenes of kissing and intimacy between the two girls. The board did not object to those, she said, but asked her to change the ending, which, she said, the board found “too hopeful.” She refused

The film ends by showing the two girls together, but it remains unclear whether they have maintained a relationship.