‘Rafiki’ movie director Wanuri Kahiu invited to the Oscars Academy

Wanuri Kahiu

Ok, move over world because Kenyans are taking over!

Despite her controversial role in the Rafiki movie, producer Wanuri Kahiu will be joining top Hollywood personalities to become a member of the movie Academy. The Academy is known for its annual Academy Awards, officially known as The Oscars.

Kanuri will join other 928 personalities who also got invites.

Taking to her social media, the movie director could not hide her joy as she broke the news.

‘’I am now a new member of @TheAcademy!!! Yaaaaaassssss!!! So proud! So happy!” she tweeted.

Breaking a record for the first time this year with the most number of invitees, some of the big-name actors include Daniel Kaluuya, Mindy Kaling, Tiffany Haddish, Kumail Nanjiani, Blake Lively, Amy Schumer, Dave Chappelle, Miles Teller, Randall Park, Daisy Ridley, Timothee Chalamet, Hong Chau, Emilia Clarke, Lena Headey among others.

Following its heavy LGBT theme, Wanuri’s movie Rafiki made headlines after it was banned locally by the Kenya Film Classification Board.

KFCB chief executive Ezekiel Mutua argued that the film sought to normalize homosexuality in the country and condemned it for showing for its strong lesbian theme.

The film however premiered at the prestigious Cannes film festival in France where the crew accompanied by Ms Wanuri received a standing ovation.

The film is Kahiu’s second feature film, following her 2009 drama From a Whisper. Her 2010 sci-fi short film Pumzi screened at Sundance in 2010.