Kenyan director Likarion Wainaina, celebrated for his multi-award-winning film Supa Modo, is making waves once again with his latest project, Subterranea. Set to premiere on Showmax on 26 September 2024, Subterranea is Kenya’s first-ever sci-fi series, marking another groundbreaking achievement for Wainaina, whose previous work has garnered over 50 international awards. These include prestigious accolades like the Best European Film For Children from the European Children’s Film Association (2019), a Special Mention from the Children’s Jury at Berlin (2018), the Artistic Bravery Prize at the Durban International Film Festival (2018), and Best Screenplay at the Carthage Film Festival.

A New Chapter in Kenyan Television

Produced by Kibanda Pictures, the eight-part Showmax Original series, Subterranea, explores a unique narrative that blends psychological drama with science fiction. The story follows eight participants in a psychological experiment, who are placed in an underground bunker to study the effects of close-quarter seclusion on human relationships. However, in a cruel twist of fate, the world outside ends, leaving the participants trapped in the bunker with no escape.

Wainaina, known for pushing the boundaries of genre in Kenyan cinema, assembled a stellar cast for this project. The series features Kalasha winners Foi Wambui (Crime and Justice), Peter Kawa (County 49), and Nice Githinji (The Caller), alongside Kalasha nominees Melvin Alusa and Melissa Kiplagat (both from Country Queen). The ensemble cast also includes filmmaker Philippa Ndisi-Herrmann, who makes her acting debut in Subterranea, Makena Kahuha (Kina), Biko Nyongesa (Sense8), Pauline Komu (Groove Theory), Kenyan Theatre Awards winner Dadson Gakenga (Subira), and newcomer Chintu Chudasama.

‘Subterranea’; Exploration of Sci-Fi

Wainaina, reflecting on the series, noted, “I’m always keen on experimenting with genres. In 2018, we made Kenya’s first superhero film with Supa Modo. Six years later, we are presenting Kenya’s first-ever sci-fi series. 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 behavior. 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.”

Wainaina co-produces Subterranea with series creator and head writer Brian Munene, alongside Martin Kigondu (County 49) and Arnold Mwanjila (Taliya) as writers. Munene, who has previously contributed to several acclaimed projects, including Crime and Justice, County 49, and Watu Wote: All of Us—an Oscar nominee for Best Live Action Short in 2018—brings his considerable expertise to the series.

Tackling Complex Themes

Munene highlighted the series’ focus on deeply human themes that resonate with the Kenyan audience. “We have eight individuals with very different personalities stuck in a bunker, and they have to find a way to work together to survive. 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 postpartum depression, PTSD among our armed forces, and cults in Kenya and their impact on followers.”

As Subterranea prepares to make its debut, MultiChoice Studios is handling international sales, positioning the series for potential global success. Wainaina’s latest venture not only adds to his impressive portfolio but also represents a significant milestone for Kenyan television, expanding the scope of storytelling and genre in the region.