Rafiki

Two Nairobi teenagers yearn for more than the life their communities allow. Kena is quietly stubborn and optimistic, Ziki outspoken and artistic, and the two girls share a bond that feels like shelter from the world. They navigate school, family pressures, and a city that treats difference with caution. The girls' growing closeness becomes a quiet rebellion as they juggle friendships with peers, keep their feelings hidden from curious relatives, and contend with the expectations of rival families drawn into local politics. When their affection deepens into a romance, they must decide how much they are willing to risk for love, for personal autonomy, and for a future that might not fit the labels others expect.

Directed by Wanuri Kahiu, Rafiki draws on Monica Arac de Nyeko's short story Jambula Tree; it premiered at the Cannes Directors' Fortnight and later screened at festivals around the world. The film marks a bold East African adaptation that confronts social taboos with sensitivity, warmth, and a personal touch. It brought attention to Kenya's vibrant but contested film scene today.

Box Office: Worldwide gross was $181,316, reflecting a modest release that traveled through art-house circuits and festival showings rather than a wide mainstream rollout, primarily reaching international audiences.

Rafiki became a talking point far beyond Kenyan screens, signaling a moment in African cinema when queer love could be depicted with warmth and nuance. The public kiss sparked debate, drew international attention, and helped widen conversations about LGBTQ rights and queer storytelling in East Africa.

Critics praised its intimate performances and the way it places romance inside a tense social backdrop, exploring family loyalty, tradition, and the costs of choosing happiness under scrutiny. Audiences connected to the everyday details of life in Nairobi, and the film's quiet courage invites discussion about reform and freedom worldwide.