Due to immense popular demand, I Am Samuel has been extended until February 26.
Samuel grew up on a farm in the Kenyan countryside, where tradition is valued above all else. He moves to Nairobi in search of a new life, where he finds belonging in a community of fellow queer men and falls in love with Alex. Their love thrives even though Kenyan laws criminalize anyone who identifies as LGBTQ, and together they face threats of violence and rejection. Samuel’s father, a preacher at the local church, doesn’t understand why his son is not yet married and Samuel must navigate the very real risk that being truthful to who he is may cost him his family’s acceptance. Filmed over five years, I Am Samuel is an intimate portrait of a Kenyan man balancing pressures of family loyalty, love, and safety and questioning the concept of conflicting identities.
In English, Swahili and Luhya with English subtitles
Stay tuned following the screening for a prerecorded Q+A.
We are grateful for the support of our presenting sponsors:
Human Rights Watch is grateful for the support of our community partners: The 519, Egale Canada Human Rights Trust, Fierte Canada Pride, Dignity Network, Image+Nation Montreal LGBT Film Festival, and Inside Out LGBT Film Festival.
The film will be available for 48 hours from when you start the stream. Please note streaming is only possible from inside Canada. Need assistance? Visit our FAQ page or email us at streamingsupport@hotdocs.ca.