"Rafiki" selected for Cannes

"Rafiki" has made history as the first Kenyan feature film ever to be selected for the Cannes International Film Festival, having been included in the 'Un Certain Regard' category of the official selection of the festival. The EU Delegation to Kenya is delighted to see young creative talents supported by the EU being recognised by one of the world's most prestigious film festivals.

A love story of two young girls living in Nairobi, "Rafiki" explores how the themes of gender, sexuality, friendship and power can interact in developing countries. Its director, Wanuri Kahiu, is part of a new generation of African storytellers and female filmmakers in Kenya. At each step of the production she involved mainly local African talents, and the production of the film created 80 paid jobs and involved the training of 35 filmmakers.

The film is a co-production with South Africa and France. It was supported by the EU through the "ACP Cultures+" programme, which strengthens the role of cultural industries in overcoming poverty and fostering cultural diversity.