They say that no prophet is always accepted in his hometown by his people and that the stone that the builders rejected finally became the cornerstone.
Well, such is the case of Kenya’s Rafiki Film, a film that all but promoted Lesbianism and saw itself feel the wrath of Kenya Film and Classification Board after it was banned in the Country.
The Controversial Film has now bagged a continental award at the Fespaco Film Festival in Burkina Faso.
Fespaco is Africa’s Largest film festival.
Kenyan actress Samantha Mugatsia was awarded for her depiction of a lesbian character in the film.
Rafiki, which means “friend” in Swahili, traces a coming-of-age love story between two young women who meet and fall in love.
Their romance unfolds against a backdrop of homophobia and despite their families being on opposing sides of the political divide.
The film is based on Jambula Tree, a prize-winning short story by Ugandan writer Monica Arac de Nyeko.
Reacting to the lead actress’s win, the film’s director Wanuri Kahiu tweeted: The oldest African film festival acknowledged a queer character… So proud! Queerness cannot be silenced!”