Nairobi,KENYA: The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has banned the film ‘Rafiki’ saying it promotes lesbianism.
The film whose title translates to ‘friend’ in English is a tale of two young women in love which is meant to premiere at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival next month in France.
The board has termed as breach of the law any distribution, exhibition or broadcast of the film anywhere within the republic of Kenya and anyone found in possession of it will also be said to have broken the law.
The film directed by Kenyan director Wanuri Kahiu was inspired by an award winning story Jambula Tree by Ugandan writer Monica Arac de Nyeko.
“I am incredibly sorry to announce that our film Rafiki has been banned in Kenya. We believe adult Kenyans are mature and discerning enough to watch local content but their right has been denied. #Cannes2018 #AKenyanFirst” read a tweet from clearly disappointed Wanuri.
KFCB in a statement made it clear that extensive consultations were made and even held meetings with the film’s director prior to the ban.
The statement reveals that Wanuri was given time to edit the film and remove offensive classifiable elements and submit it for re-classification.
The ban got netizens talking with some clearly in support of the film board’s act saying Kenyans do not support homosexuality.
Just recently in an interview with Christiane Amanpour on CNN President Kenyatta reiterated the country’s stance on homosexuality saying that it goes against cultural beliefs of majority of Kenyans.
Rafiki is the first ever Kenyan film to receive an invitation from the festival.
