Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Queer coming-of-age Kenyan drama has homophobic violence.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Rafiki
What's the Story?
In RAFIKI, Kena (Samantha Mugatsia) spends her time playing football with the boys and studying to become a doctor. Ziki (Sheila Munyiva) makes up dance routines with her friends and dreams of traveling the world. When the two lock eyes, a friendship begins, which slowly blossoms into a romance. But with their fathers going head to head in a local election, and with homophobic views surrounding them on all sides, they must try to keep their relationship a secret in order to survive.
Is It Any Good?
This moving drama made quite an impact on release, in no small part due to being banned in its home country of Kenya for "its homosexual theme and clear intent to promote lesbianism." When Rafiki was finally screened in Kenya—for just seven days —it played to sold-out audiences, and it found similar success traveling the festival circuit, where the strong central performances and beautiful direction and cinematography were universally praised.
The story itself isn't unusual: It's coming-of-age, it's first love, it's exploring sexual identity in a forbidden environment, it's star-crossed lovers and warring families. Yet the film is blissfully unique in its sense of place and atmosphere of floating just outside of reality. Bustling streets, music and dance, and vivid colors—particularly the rich pinks and purples displayed in free-spirited Ziki's braided hair—create a candy-colored escape amid the confinements of religion and tradition. Above all, the movie is a celebration of the rebellion against the everyday, against what's expected, against becoming the "ordinary Kenyan girls" the main characters pledge never to be.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the way attitudes toward gender and sexuality affect the characters in Rafiki. Why do you think Kena and Ziki face such bigotry? How do they show courage in the face of it? What can be done to help prevent and combat homophobia and other types of prejudice?
Talk about the violence in the movie. How did it make you feel? What do you understand about the term "hate crime"?
Forbidden love is a popular theme in movies. How did this story compare to other "forbidden love" films you've seen?
Discuss the use of color in the movie. What feelings did it evoke? What do you think it represents?
How do the central characters show courage and perseverance? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 19, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : August 13, 2019
- Cast : Samantha Mugatsia , Sheila Munyiva , Neville Misati
- Director : Wanuri Kahiu
- Studio : Film Movement
- Genre : Romance
- Character Strengths : Courage , Perseverance
- Run time : 83 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 22, 2026
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