Movie night “Rafiki” and discussion at Korjaamo – love, resistance, and belonging
On Thursday, June 25, during Helsinki Pride Week, Korjaamo Kino will host the Finnish premiere of the film Rafiki – love, resistance, and belonging. Following the screening, a panel discussion will delve into the film’s themes in relation to activism and lived experiences.
Movie Night: Rafiki – Love, Resistance, and Belonging brings together culture, activism, and personal experiences.
The evening begins with the award-winning Kenyan film Rafiki (R-15), which tells the story of two young women’s love and courage in a restrictive environment. Through its colorful visuals and intimate storytelling, the film invites viewers to reflect on queer coming-of-age, identity, and resilience in contexts where living as one’s true self can come at a high cost. The film remains banned in Kenya and has not previously been screened in Finland. The film runs for 82 minutes.
Following the film, the discussion will continue in a panel discussion that examines the film in relation to activism and lived experiences. The panelists comprise a group that brings together voices from East Africa and Finland:
John Mutiro
John is a Kenyan queer activist and currently working as a programme officer at KIOS. John also studies international law and human rights at Åbo Akademi University.
Prince Mikel Juao
Prince is a Malawian trans activist. He identifies as transmasculine and has extensive experience working in a context where LGBTQI+ identities remain criminalized due to laws dating back to the colonial era.
Hanna Sarkkinen
Hanna Sarkkinen is a Member of Parliament (Left Alliance) and vice-chair of the Finnish All-Party Parliamentary Group on Sexual Rights and Development. She was elected in 2015 and served as a minister in Sanna Marin’s government. She has supported human rights, equality, and LGBTIQ+ rights in her political work.
Krista Mottisenkangas
Krista “Kit” Mottisenkangas is a 23-year-old queer woman and queer rights activist from Rovaniemi. She’s a member of Seta’s nuorisotoimikunta (youth committee), an ‘Existing and Resisting – Together Against the Anti-gender Movement’ project participant, and a student of Political Sciences and Sociology at the University of Lapland. She’s also a firm believer in the powers of art and storytelling as forms of activism, acutely aware of the life-saving and identity-affirming potential they hold.
Together, the panelists will explore issues related to identity, safety, community, and resistance, as well as the conditions queer people need to thrive with dignity and pride, both as individuals and as a community.
Audience participation is an important part of the event, and time will be set aside for questions and open discussion.
The evening offers a unique opportunity to examine global LGBTQ+ rights through culture, conversation, and solidarity.
The event will be held in English and will feature sign language interpretation from English to Finnish (the film will not be interpreted). The film has English subtitles.
The event is organized by Seta and Väestöliitto in collaboration with KIOS.
You are warmly invited to join us for an evening of film, discussion, and shared reflection!
WHAT: Film night and discussion: Rafiki – Love, Resistance, and Belonging
WHERE: Korjaamo Kino, Töölönkatu 51 A-B
WHEN: June 25, 5:30–8:00 p.m.
Here is the link to the official Helsinki Pride program.
Synopsis: “Good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives,” but 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.”