I Am Samuel

I Am Samuel is a Kenyan film from 2020 that finely prods at the dynamics of love, family, societal expectations and the struggle for identity. This profound and heartwrenching film is directed by Peter Murimi, a renowned documentary filmmaker whose previous explorations of social issues have gained him global recognition.

The film is an intimate, searing human story that delves into the themes of love, acceptance and the conflict between societal norms and personal truths. It features Samuel, a young Kenyan man going against the culturally entrenched norms of his society by being in a same-sex relationship.

Samuel was raised on a farm in rural Kenya. In his community, the path of a man's life is predictable and pre-determined from birth. The onus of continuing their families and traditions rests on the shoulders of young men, making them the bearers of not just their parents' hopes and dreams, but also the perpetuators of customs. Having grown up in this cultural landscape, Samuel's family envisions him engaging in what they believe to be the 'normal' way of life - marrying a woman and fathering children.

The plot of this film, however, unfolds Samuel's life in Nairobi, the bustling capital of Kenya, where he works as a motorcycle taxi driver. His emotional world differs starkly from the conventional roles and expectations instilled in him since he was young. Samuel is in love with Alex, another young man with whom he shares a tender and devoted relationship.

Murimi's documentary is ground-breaking in how fearlessly it portrays Samuel and Alex's relation as deeply human and heartfelt, amidst a socio-cultural environment dominated by heteronormative codes. Ironically, while the urban life provides Samuel the freedom to be himself, it is also where he is faced with the acutest form of insecurity, given the possible repercussions he might have to face if his secret relationship is discovered.

The movie immerses the viewer into the complexities of Samuel's life, emphasizing the constant tightrope that he has to walk, trying to reconcile his love for Alex with his sense of duty towards his family. Throughout the narrative, Samuel's predicament mirrors the larger societal question of acceptance, tolerance, and inclusivity towards those who are different, and notably towards the LGBTQ+ community in this case.

What sets I Am Samuel apart is its realness. Director Peter Murimi, known for his observational style of filmmaking, highlights the dilemmas and taboos of Kenyan society organically, without imposing any overt judgement or viewpoint on the characters' choices. He makes audiences experience firsthand the slow, gradual tug-of-war between Samuel's love and his duty – the personal versus the public – an act reminiscent of the societal pressures prevalent in many cultures across the world.

The film presents Kenya's varied landscapes, from the rural pastures to the city's chaotic streets, pitting them as metaphors for conservatism and liberation respectively. Samuel's struggle to balance between these two worlds forms the heart of this sensitively narrated story.

What makes the film hard-hitting is the awareness that Samuel's story is reflective of many hidden and muffled narratives across the world where people are still struggling to openly express their identities fearing societal backlash. The film ripples beyond cinema and embarks on the path of social and political commentary, quietly advocating for a world where love is not subjected to societal judgement or fears.

Wrapping love, turmoil, expectations and liberation into one beautiful portrait, I Am Samuel is not merely a movie. It is a mirror of the times, a poignant portrayal of the emotional journey of an individual caught between societal expectations and personal identity, and an outpouring plea for human empathy and acceptance for diversity. Above all, it pushes for the recognition that love, as unassuming and personal as it is, should never have to be a point of societal discourse and contention.