Rafiki (2018): Black Joy and Queer Joy as Resistance

Abstract

This paper explores how Rafiki (2018) uses story and stylistic elements to highlight black and queer joy as an act of resistance. Rafiki offers a suprising reversal of tragedy, heightening the audience's sense of hope as their expectations are subverted. The film also makes use of stylistic elements, such as color and music, to emphasize the viewer's sense of joy. Birds appear throughout the film as a symbol of hope. Finally, the gaze in the film is given to a queer black woman, reclaiming the gaze from the heterosexual white male.