'I am Samuel' poster. [Courtesy]

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has banned the release of the film I am Samuel a year after it premiered at the BFI London Film Festival.

In a statement released on September 23, KFCB said the 68-minute film is not suitable for viewing by a Kenyan audience as its content attempts to normalise same-sex marriage as an acceptable way of life.

According to the Board, the documentary film directed by Pete Murimi and produced by Toni Kamau, violates Article 165 of the Penal code and the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap 222, which outlaws homosexuality.

KFCB added that the Human Rights Watch Film Festival and London Film Festival selection is blasphemous.

“The production is demeaning of Christianity as two gay men in the film purport to conduct a religious marriage invoking the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. On the basis of religion as a classifiable element, the Board finds the documentary not only blasphemous but also an attempt to use religion to advocate same-sex marriage,” read the statement in part.

For more details, visit: KFCB bans gay film ‘I am Samuel’, terms it blasphemous