The producer of a movie that was banned in Kenya in February sued the Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) on Tuesday.
Wanuri Kahiu, producer of Rafiki, wants the movie screened in the country and a green light for its nomination for next year's Oscar Awards.
Through lawyers Sofia Leteipan and Waikwa Wanyoike, Ms Kahiu argued that the board led by Ezekiel Mutua (pictured) limited her freedom of expression and adjudged her creativity.
Kenya Film Classification and Licensing Board CEO Ezekiel Mutua. [Denish Ochieng, Standard]
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The movie tells a story of two girls who fall in love and struggle to navigate their newfound romance in a society that frowns on same-sex relationships.
In the case against KFCB and Attorney General Kihara Kariuki, the producer argued that her film did not breach the Constitution and wanted the ban lifted.
A screen grab from the movie 'Rafiki' which was been banned by the Kenya Film Classification Board. [Courtesy]
“The petitioners seek conservatory orders suspending the respondents’ decision to enable the Oscars selection committee in Kenya consider the film as Kenya’s entry to the academy for the best foreign language film category award at the 2019 Oscar awards of which entries closes on September 30,” read court papers filed on Tuesday.
