The article “Kenya film board bans gay documentary, calling it “an affront,” discusses how the Kenya Film Classification Board placed a prohibition on the documentary “I am Samuel”  directed by Peter Murimi. The exhibition, distribution, possession or broadcast of the documentary has been called blasphemous and unconstitutional. A long history of homophobic cultural ideals continues in Kenya after the release of this film. This piece, which is a documentary, was thought to potentially be ok under press freedoms but that was not the case. This is not the first time that the Kenya Film Classification Board has banned a film due to it being homosexual in nature.  A fictional film  called “Rafiki,” was about two women falling in love. It was banned by the board three years prior “saying that it promoted homosexuality.”

As globalized as the world has become there are some aspects that still remain unchanged in terms of what is acceptable in certain places. While in the United States there have been strides made in terms of LGBTQ+ equality and rights, this is not the case around the world. The United States still has a long way to go in terms of representation and justice for the LGBTQ+ community, and so does the rest of the world. The Kenya Film Classification Board placing this ban is a continuous perpetuation of injustice towards the LGBTQ+ community.

While the director thought this piece could spark important conversation with the people within his home country, in terms of release of the film, I think that he should use other platforms to get his work out there. I think that in terms of representation it is important for the world to see this documentary.  It is in fact crazy to me that under colonial Kenyan law gay sex is punishable by 14 years in prison, “The laws criminalise a significant community that is part and parcel of Kenya. Those laws are inhumane. They cause a lot of suffering,” Toni Kamau, the film’s producer, said.” I think that this documentary could be a way to force a change in perspective and open the door to more tangible change.

If I was the PR professional in charge of this film, I would look into ways where this film could be distributed outside of Kenya itself. Looking into film festivals for documentaries and LGBTQ+ spaces could allow for more discussion around the lack of acceptance towards members of the community in Kenya and in many other African countries. While this one film already has a prohibition in Kenya, sparking conversation elsewhere can empower people to speak up and potentially lead to change within the Kenyan constitution.