Filmed vérité style over 5 years, I am Samuel is a story about love, family and acceptance - a portrait of a Kenyan man torn between balancing duty to his family with his dreams for his future.
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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 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.
REVIEWS
"Intimate and moving"
— LA Sentinel
"Beautifully portrayed."
— Okay Africa
"Understated and arresting!"
— In the seats
"I am Samuel is a work of bravery"
— POV Magazine
"I am Samuel presents love with such raw honesty that you can't look away."
— Amsterdam News
SCREENINGS
Current Festivals
United Kingdom
European Premiere - BFI London Film Festival
10th October 2020
London Physical Premiere - Film Africa Festival
4th November 2020
Glasgow and Edinburgh Virtual Premiere - Africa in Motion Festival
30th October - 29th November 2020
North America
Inside Out Film Festival, Ontario, Canada
1st - 11th October 2020
London Physical Premiere - Film Africa Festival
14th - 18th October 2020
European Festivals
Coming soon...
Past Festivals
World Premiere - Hot Docs Film Festival
2020
US Premiere - Human Rights Film Festival
2020
Atlanta Film Festival
2020
View our past Q&As
