REVEALED: Why the ban lifting of ‘Rafiki’ film is temporary

Kenyan filmmaker, Wanuri Kahiu, sued the country’s government after her film, Rafiki, was censored over lesbian content. Kahiu alleged that the government banned the film after she refused suggestions to make the characters “remorseful” at the end. As Kenya banned Cannes entry RAFIKI for its lesbian content, thus making it ineligible for submission.

High Court today lifted KFCB ban on Rafiki for 7 days. The judge has also ruled that Wanuri Kahiu be allowed to submit Rafiki, an LGBT film, for an Oscar Award, and that she be able to screen the film to willing adults over the next 7 days.

“Justice Wilfrida Okwany said the suspension of the ban by the Board shall be for a period of seven days. This is to allow the film director Wanuri Kahiu submit it for the Oscar Awards. Okwany said the film shall be opened for viewing to willing adults only.”

The deadline to submit films to be Oscar nominees is Sept. 30, no wonder  the urgency  and pressure in this case. Rafiki inmust be shown for at least 7 consecutive days to be considered as an Oscar nom, so a decision must be made by Sept. 23

The lifting of the ban has however  led to mixed reactions as some show their excitement while others highly disapprove by saying that it is against the morals and not in accordance to the african way of life.

 

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