'Friend' by Kenya's Wanuri Kahiu makes Cannes Festival's Un Certain Regard

Official Selection of the 71st Festival de Cannes has been revealed during Thierry Frémaux and Pierre Lescure’s traditional annual meeting with the French and international press. Making the Un Certain Regard list this year is the film ‘Friend’, by Wanuri Kahiu a Kenyan film director, producer, and author. She has received several awards and nominations for the films which she directed, r her dramatic feature film From a Whisper. Wanuri Kahiu’s “Rafiki” (also known as “Friend”), which marks the very first Kenyan feature film to debut at the festival. On the film’s website, it’s billed as a love story between its female leads. Per the official synopsis, “Kena and Ziki long for something more. Despite the political rivalry between their families, the girls resist and remain close friends, supporting each other to pursue their dreams in a conservative society. When love blossoms between them, the two girls will be forced to choose between happiness and safety.” Discover the list of the feature films in Competition, at Un Certain Regard, Out of Competition, in Midnight Screenings and in Special Screenings.