I Am Samuel

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2:14

I Am Samuel

2020

1h 9m

Documentary

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Popcornmeter

92%

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12 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

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.

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Ian Freer

Empire Magazine

I Am Samuel is a moving valentine to an enduring relationship. If it never fully examines the obstacles in its path, Samuel and Alex's love story is a beauty to behold.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 2, 2021

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Phuong Le

Guardian

The film is perhaps over compact, but its ending is heartwarmingly optimistic.

Rated: 3/5

May 31, 2021

Full Review

Katlego K Kolanyane-Kesupile

Washington Blade

A timely offering to the world of LGBTQ storytelling in that it’s a story of perseverance, acceptance, teaching, mundanity, destiny, faith and simple humanity.

May 19, 2022

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Benjamin Franz

Film Threat

One film won’t necessarily change society but sharing these stories as a form of collective action is a step in the right direction.

Rated: 7/10

Feb 9, 2022

Full Review

Rich Cline

Shadows on the Wall

Filmmaker Pete Murimi has made a remarkably intimate film that eloquently pleads for compassion and understanding.

Rated: 4/5

Jun 11, 2021

Full Review

Carey-Ann Pawsey

Orca Sound

Throughout it maintains a tone of being honest and even raw emotionally at times. You see the price exacted on those who are forced to hide who they are from those closest to them.

Rated: 3/5

Mar 14, 2021

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Peter Murimi

Director

Peter Murimi

Writer

Ricardo Acosta

Writer

Toni Kamau

Producer

Peter Murimi

Producer

Ricardo Acosta

Film Editor

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I Am Samuel: Trailer 1

2:14

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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.

Director: Peter Murimi
Producer: Toni Kamau, Peter Murimi
Screenwriter: Peter Murimi, Ricardo Acosta, Peter Murimi, Ricardo Acosta
Production Co: We Are Not the Machine, Mosaic Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 9m

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