Kenyan actress Samantha Mugatsia has been awarded Best Actress at the Burkina Faso Fespaco Film Festival for her performance as Kena in the controversial film Rafiki, which explores a same-sex relationship.
The 2018 film, banned in Kenya for depicting lesbianism, faced initial restrictions from the Kenya Film Classification Board. However, a court temporarily lifted the ban after director Wanuri Kahiu challenged the decision, citing constitutional protections for free expression.
Kahiu celebrated Mugatsia's Fespaco win, calling it a milestone for African cinema and freedom of expression. "Winning Best Actress for RAFIKI at FESPACO is monumental. It adds Kenya to the history of African cinema and recognizes freedom of expression within Africa," she stated in a tweet dated March 4, 2019.
During its brief theatrical run in Kenya, Rafiki generated Sh3.3 million in revenue from 6,500 attendees across Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu. The film was later disqualified from Oscar consideration despite its box office success.
The film's portrayal of a lesbian relationship drew criticism from conservative groups, but supporters argued it highlighted artistic freedom. Kahiu's legal team asserted the ban violated her right to creative expression as an artist.
