*Special “Cinema in Context” screening on Monday, May 13 at 7:00pm with Prof. Amah Edoh, Assistant Professor of African studies at MIT
2018 • dir Wanuri Kahiu w/Samantha Mugatsia, Sheila Munyiva • 83 min • DCP
Bursting with the colorful street style & music of Nairobi’s vibrant youth culture, RAFIKI is a tender love story between two young women in a country that still criminalizes homosexuality. Kena and Ziki have long been told that “good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives” – but they yearn for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls encourage each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, Kena and Ziki must choose between happiness and safety.
Initially banned in Kenya for its positive portrayal of queer romance, RAFIKI won a landmark supreme court case chipping away at Kenyan anti-LGBT legislation. Featuring remarkable performances by newcomers Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva, RAFIKI is a hip tale of first love that’s “impossible not to celebrate” (Variety)!
Staff Pick: Petra, Casey, Erica
“From its opening frames, Rafiki is bursting with life.”
– Katie Rife, AV Club
“A vibrant, pulsing piece of work, keying off the joy of young love and unexpected discovery.”
– Jason Bailey, Flavorwire
“A beautiful badge of courage and perseverance for the Kenyan LGBTQ community.”
– Tom Meek, Cambridge Day
Brattle passes accepted. Special, Usher, and Producer members may reserve seats in advance [instructions]. Regular & Dual Members may redeem passes at the box office pending availability.
You guys continue to humble and amaze us with your outpouring of support!
Thanks to you, we have now raised more than $35,000 from over 400 individual donors!
Thank you for helping to keep our staff paid and The Brattle alive during this scary time.
I hope that you are all feeling healthy.
As we remain closed, our preliminary goal is to raise four weeks of operating support, or $65,000, to ensure we can continue to pay all of our staff, and other overhead through April 7. As things develop, our timeline for being closed and fundraising goal may change, but our ultimate goal of re-opening The Brattle stays firm.
Premieres Archive • Special Engagements Archive • Staff Picks (past events)
Rafiki
Theatrical Premiere Run!
Friday, May 10 – Thursday, May 16
*Special “Cinema in Context” screening on Monday, May 13 at 7:00pm with Prof. Amah Edoh, Assistant Professor of African studies at MIT
2018 • dir Wanuri Kahiu w/Samantha Mugatsia, Sheila Munyiva • 83 min • DCP
Bursting with the colorful street style & music of Nairobi’s vibrant youth culture, RAFIKI is a tender love story between two young women in a country that still criminalizes homosexuality. Kena and Ziki have long been told that “good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives” – but they yearn for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls encourage each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, Kena and Ziki must choose between happiness and safety.
Initially banned in Kenya for its positive portrayal of queer romance, RAFIKI won a landmark supreme court case chipping away at Kenyan anti-LGBT legislation. Featuring remarkable performances by newcomers Samantha Mugatsia and Sheila Munyiva, RAFIKI is a hip tale of first love that’s “impossible not to celebrate” (Variety)!
Staff Pick: Petra, Casey, Erica