A Kenyan feature film Rafiki is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.
Rafiki, a lesbian love story, was inspired by the 2007 Caine Prize winning story Jambula Tree by Ugandan writer Monica Arac de Nyeko and produced by Steven Markovitz.
The story follows two girls Kena and Ziki that are close friends who eventually fall in love. Their families are on opposing sides of the political divide.
They are faced with a lot of pressure thus causing a strain in their friendship. This further causes them to make a hard decision between happiness and safety.
Rafiki is the first feature film to be selected by the Cannes Film Festival.
The film was directed by Wanuri Kahiu who also served as the writer of the film.
An elated Wanuri took to her social media to share the exciting news saying:
"I'm so excited! We did it! My new film Rafiki is invited to premiere at Cannes Film Festival. First Kenyan feature film to be invited to the festival. Please join me in congratulating the Kenyan cast and crew. What an amazing feat!."
Congratulations to the entire cast and crew on this milestone.