The Kenyan film industry is on an exhilarating upward trajectory in terms of production and Art. on Thursday, 26th of September 2024, the industry has hit another milestone with the first Kenyan Sci Fi hitting the screens. The eight part series The ‘Subterranea’, has officially premiered on Showmax. The show has brought together Kenya’s finest actors who’ve have perfected the art of acting over the years. These include Foi Wambui, Peter Kawa, Nice Githinji, Melvin Alusa and Melissa Kiplagat. The show also stars Filmmaker Philippa Ndisi-Herrmann, Makena Kahuha Biko Nyongesa, Pauline Komu, Dadson Gakenga and Chintu Chudasama.
Subterranea’ has been produced by the Multi-award-winning Kenyan director Likarion Wainaina. He puts together the show alongside series creator and head writer Brian Munene, with Martin Kigondu and Arnold Mwanjila also serving as writers. According to Likarion, the show seeks to challenge the misconception that sci-fi always means futuristic or lots of laser guns. He says sci-fi can also be about exploring the impact of actual or imagined science on human psychology or behaviour, and that exactly what “Subterranea” is all about
“In Kenya, and maybe other places, there’s this misconception that sci-fi always means futuristic or lots of laser guns, but sci-fi can also be about exploring the impact of actual or imagined science on human psychology or behaviour. That is what Subterranea is all about. It’s not a futuristic show but rather a series where we dream about science and how our characters react to it.”
On his side, Director Brian has noted that the show covers different scope of humanity. This is from behavior and character to mental health. He has also acknowledged the uniqueness of each character on the show, blending in to produce the masterpiece that is ‘The Subterranea’. “Subterranea tackles very human themes that our Kenyan audience will identify with,” says Brian. “We have eight individuals with very different personalities stuck in a bunker and they have to find a way to work together to survive, so themes of family and unity come out very strongly. There are also themes of broken institutions and mental health.”
Subterranea has joined a list of other Kenyan show that are putting the country’s film industry on a pedestal even as they look to break into the international market. In recent years, a wave of locally produced films and reality shows has debuted on Netflix, the world’s leading streaming platform, marking a significant milestone for Kenya.