Rafiki - Screenings & discussion

Venue: The Circle | 6 Market St, Newport, NP20 1FU
Date: 19/03/2026
Doors: 18:30 Close: 21:30
Entry: Pay what you can

Rafiki follows Kena and Ziki, two young women from opposing political families in Nairobi, whose friendship slowly blossoms into a romantic relationship. Set against the backdrop of a heated local election, their growing connection unfolds in a society where same sex relationships are criminalised and heavily stigmatised.

As their bond deepens, the film explores the tension between personal freedom and public expectation. Moments of joy, playfulness, and affection are met with increasing risk, forcing both women to navigate family loyalty, community pressure, and the threat of violence. Rather than centring trauma alone, Rafiki insists on portraying love as vibrant, hopeful, and life affirming.

Running at 83 minutes, the film is visually striking and emotionally intimate, using music, colour, and movement to tell a story of self discovery and resilience. Banned in Kenya upon its release, Rafiki has since become a landmark film in global queer cinema.

After the screening, audiences are invited to join an optional post film chat at Circle Screening to reflect on representation, love, and the power of cinema as cultural resistance.