Ezekiel Mutua, the KFCB CEO has termed the High Court’s decision to lift the ban on controversial gay movie as shameful.
“It would be a tragedy and a shame to have homosexual films defining the Kenyan culture. That’s not who we are and homosexuality is not our way of life.” Mutua said on his Twitter handle.
According to the Film Board boss, there is no pleasure that a sane person can get in watching n watching girls having sex with other girls.
Shame on those foreign NGOs who want to use gay content as a tool for marketing the film industry in Kenya. SHINDWE!
— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) September 21, 2018
On Friday, the High Court temporarily lifted a ban imposed on the film to allow it to be considered for an award in the Oscars.
The film was banned for promoting lesbianism but Justice Wilfrida Okwany lifted it for seven days, during which she has allowed it to be screened to willing adults.
In making the ruling, Justice Okwany cited Kenyan artists who’ve had to flee the country and to seek asylum because their creations went against the grain of societal expectations.
Ms Wanuri Kahiu had sued KFCB and its boss Ezekiel Mutua over the ban since it was to be submitted to the 2019 Oscars Award as Kenya’s entry to the Best Foreign Language film category. According to Ms Kahiu and the lobby, the ban on the film is contrary to the freedom of artistic creativity.
Rafiki is a love story of two teenage girls who develop a romantic relationship, which is opposed by their families and community.
In the film, directed, written and co-produced by Ms Kahiu, the girls are separated by their communities.