I am Samuel
synopsis
Samuel grew up in the Kenyan countryside, where tradition is valued above all else. He is close to his mother but his father, a local pastor, doesn't understand why he isn't married yet. After moving to Nairobi, Kenya's capital, in search of work and a new life, Samuel falls in love with Alex and finds community and belonging. Their love thrives despite the fact that Kenyan laws criminalize anyone who identifies as LGBTQ+. Despite threats of violence and rejection, Samuel and Alex move between their co-existing worlds, hoping to win acceptance in both.
directed by
Pete Murimi
director's bio
Peter Murimi is a multiple award-winning Kenyan TV documentary director focusing on hard-hitting social issues. He recently won the 2019 Rory Peck award for a news feature about suicide. "I am Samuel" is his feature directorial debut, filmed verite style for five years in his home country.
screenwriter
Pete Murimi, Ricardo Acosta
producer
Toni Kamau
runtime
70 minutes
country
Kenya
category
Feature Documentary
website