I Am Samuel, a documentary film, has been banned by the Kenya Film Classification Board, which claims the film promotes same-sex relationships and violates the Films and Stage Plays Act. According to KFCB interim CEO Christopher Wambua, the film was submitted for vetting this month and assessed on September 8 and 17.
According to Mr Wambua, the board concluded that the producer deliberately promotes same-sex marriage as an acceptable way of life. They objected to the characters’ body language, which included kissing scenes between two female lovers. The documentary further depicts the marriage of two men, with the producer dedicating the film to the LGBTQ+ community at the end.
The film, according to KFCB, blatantly breaches Article 165 of the Penal Code, which prohibits homosexuality, as well as the Films and Stage Plays Act. “In addition, the film seeks to persuade the viewer that the older generation, which was once opposed to LGBTQ+, is gradually coming around and recognising same-sex marriage as a normal way of life,” Mr Wambua added.
The Constitution defines marriage as a union between two people of the opposite gender. Therefore, according to Mr Wambua, the documentary is unacceptable and an insult to the culture of Kenya.
“Worse yet, the production degrades religion by portraying two gay men in the film as conducting a religious marriage,” he added.
“Based on religion as a classifiable element, the board finds the documentary not only offensive but also an attempt to utilise religion to encourage same-sex marriage,” the board adds.
The board concluded that the film might easily expose vulnerable groups, such as children, to inappropriate content. While adults have the right to consume whatever they choose, Mr Wambua believes that children and other vulnerable groups are at risk of being influenced by such content.
“In this case, RESTRICTED means it is barred from exhibition, distribution, possession, or broadcasting within the Republic of Kenya,” he explained. “The board will confront any attempt to exhibit, distribute, broadcast, or possess the RESTRICTED film within the Republic of Kenya with the full force of the law.”
Mr Wambua also stated that the board welcomes local and international support for Kenya’s budding film industry but that any funding should be directed toward generating content that complies with Kenyan laws.
