The series, a psychological thriller, was created by Brian Munene, with Martin Kigondu and Arnold Mwanjilas contributing as writers.
Kenya’s first science-fiction drama series, Subterranea, produced by Nairobi’s Kibanda Pictures, is slated to debut on MultiChoice’s streaming platform, Showmax, with its eight episodes launching on September 26.
Directed by Kenyan filmmaker Likarion Wainaina, this eight-part Showmax Original series centres on a group of eight participants involved in a psychological experiment. They are confined in an underground bunker to observe the effects of close-quarter, isolated relationships on human behaviour. In a dramatic twist, the outside world is destroyed, leaving the participants trapped with no escape.
Subterranea is produced as a Showmax Original, with MultiChoice Studios managing international sales.
The series brings together some of Kenya’s most celebrated actors, including Foi Wambui, Peter Kawa and Nice Githinji, along with Kalasha nominees Melvin Alusa and Melissa Kiplagat. The ensemble cast also features filmmaker Philippa Ndisi-Herrmann in her acting debut, alongside Makena Kahuha, Biko Nyongesa, Pauline Komu, Dadson Gakenga and newcomer Chintu Chudasama.
Speaking about the series, director Likarion Wainaina said: “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 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.”
Wainaina co-produces Subterranea alongside series creator and head writer Brian Munene, with additional writing by Martin Kigondu and Arnold Mwanjila.
According to Munene, Subterranea delves into relatable human themes for the Kenyan audience. “The series features eight individuals with diverse personalities who must learn to collaborate in order to survive, highlighting themes of family, unity, and resilience. We also address issues that are often overlooked on Kenyan television, such as male postpartum depression, PTSD among our armed forces, and the influence of cults on their followers,” Munene explained.
