Rafiki in main competition of the Cannes Film Festival
The film RAFIKI of director Wanuri Kahiu is selected for the Cannes Film Festival 2018 in the category Un Certain Regard. Producer Rinkel Film and distributor Cinemien have announced this today. The film, with in the leading roles Samantha Mugatsia (Kena) and Sheila Munyiva (Ziki), will have its world premiere at the festival. The scenario is written by Wanuri Kahiu and Jenna Bass. The film was produced by Big World Cinema (ZA) in coproduction with Reinier Selen from Rinkel Film, MPM Films (FR), Schortcut Films (LB), Ape&Bjørn (NO), Razor Film (DE), Afrobubblegum (KE).
“Good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives”, but Kena and Ziki aim for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, they resist and remain close friends supporting each other to pursue their dreams in an oppressive society. When love arouses between them, the pressure becomes unbearable forcing the two girls to ultimately choose between happiness and safety.
The 71st edition of the Cannes film Festival will take place from the 8th of May until the 19th of May 2018. RAFIKI is selected for Un Certain Regard, one of the two main competitions of the festival.
The makers
The film is directed by Wanuri Kahiu, known for RAS STAR, FROM A WHISPER and PUMZI. She received several awards for her last two films.
The scenario of RAFIKI is written by Wanuri Kahiu and Jenna Bass (THE TUNNEL, LOVE THE ONE YOU LOVE, HIGH FANTASY). The film is produced by Big World Cinema (ZA) in coproduction with Reinier Selen from Rinkel Film (ACCUSED., SÜSKIND, COOL KIDS DON’T CRY, BACKSLIDE), MPM Films (FR), Schortcut Films (LB), Ape&Bjørn (NO), Razor Film (DE), Afrobubblegum (KE).
The film is financed by the ACP-EU Support Programma (ZA), Schortcut Films (LB), Netherlands Film Fund + Hubert Bals Fund (NL), Berlinale World Cinema Fund (DE), CNC Cinema du Monde (FR), Sorfond (NO).
The film will be distributed in the BENELUX by Cinemien and the international sales will be organized by MPM Premium.
