Watch I Am Samuel

I Am Samuel is a personal and intimate documentary film directed and produced by Pete Murimi. The film takes a deep dive into the life of Samuel, a young man who was born and raised in a small Kenyan village. Samuel is a gay man and struggles to come to with his identity and the cultural expectations and pressures of his rural community.

The film follows Samuel's journey as he navigates his relationship with his partner Alex while trying to reconcile his sexuality with his family's expectations of him. Samuel's mother, a devout Christian, continuously expresses her disapproval of his lifestyles and threatens to disown him if he doesn't change his ways. At the same time, Samuel's father tries to find a middle ground and encourages Samuel to keep his relationship with Alex hidden from his mother.

The film is a moving personal of Samuel's life, with scenes that explore his day-to-day struggles and joys, and interviews with family and friends who share their perspectives on his life. The interviews with Samuel's mother are particularly striking, revealing the intense cultural pressures that individuals face in rural Kenya.

Throughout the documentary, Samuel and Alex struggle to maintain a sense of normalcy in their relationship. They are seen spending time together, watching films, and engaging in deep conversations about their dreams and ambitions for the future. The scenes depicting their interactions are contrasted by abrupt cuts to Samuel's family and community , who often describe his behavior as deviant and unnatural.

The title of the film, I Am Samuel, alludes to the importance of self-acceptance and self-love. Samuel's journey towards self-acceptance is a central theme in the documentary, and his experiences provide a poignant and insightful look into the struggles that many LGBTQ+ individuals face on a daily basis.

The film is beautifully shot, with stunning depictions of rural Kenyan landscapes and intimate close-ups of Samuel and his loved ones. The use of black and white cinematography highlights the contrast between Samuel's internal struggles and the external pressures he faces. The music and sound design are also emotive and well-composed, adding an extra layer of depth to the film.

I Am Samuel is a powerful documentary that captures the essence of Samuel's journey towards self-acceptance and the challenges he faces along the way. The film is a moving testament to the power of love, both within oneself and between two individuals. It highlights the importance of self-acceptance and the need to embrace oneself, regardless of the cultural pressures and expectations that one may face.

Overall, I Am Samuel is an excellent documentary that provides a rare insight into the life of a young gay Kenyan man. The film is thought-provoking and emotive, and its message of self-acceptance is universal and timeless. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in issues of LGBTQ+ rights and representation in Africa.