Kenya’s first sci-fi series Subterranea from Kibanda Pictures set for Showmax

Subterranea is produced by Nairobi-based Kibanda Pictures

MIP AFRICA: Kenya’s first science-fiction drama series Subterranea, produced by Nairobi-based Kibanda Pictures, is heading to MultiChoice’s streamer Showmax, with eight episodes debuting on September 26.

Subterranea is a Showmax Original and MultiChoice Studios is responsible for international sales. The show was highlighted by MultiChoice CEO of general entertainment Nomsa Philiso as an example of the company’s expanding local production slate at Mip Africa.

The series is a psychological thriller created by Brian Munene, responsible for County 49 and Crime & Justice, with Martin Kigondu and Arnold Mwanjilas also serving as writers.

The show revolves around eight participants who suddenly find themselves trapped in a claustrophobic underground bunker after a global catastrophe while they’re taking part in an experiment.

Subterranea is helmed by award-winning Kenya director Likarion Wainaina, who produced the superhero film Supa Modo, with the cast including Melvin Alusa, Melissa Kiplagat, Makena Kahuha, Biko Nyongesa, Foi Wambui, Pauline Komu, Peter Kawa, Dadson Gakenga, Nice Githinji and Chintu Chudasama. Filmmaker Philippa Ndisi-Hermann makes her acting debut.

“I’m always keen on experimenting with genres. In 2018 we made Kenya’s first superhero film with Supa Modo,” said Wainaina. “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.”

Munene added: “Subterranea tackles very human themes that our Kenyan audience will identify with. 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. We dug deeper and asked ourselves: ‘What are some issues in Kenyan society that we normally don’t see on TV? So Subterranea explores issues such as male post-partum depression, PTSD among our armed forces and cults in Kenya and their impact on followers.”