The Story⚡

Sci-Fi Thriller Subterranea Explores Family, Unity, Mental Health & Institutional Fractures.

Tell Me More

The Sci-fi series is an original Showmax series that follows eight psychological experiment participants placed in an underground bunker to test the effects of close-quarter secluded relationships on humans. In a twist of irony, the world ends, and the eight are now trapped in the bunker with nowhere to go.

Likarion Wainaina co-produced alongside head writer Brian Munene, with Martin Kigondu and Arnold Mwanjila also serving as writers for A Kubada Pictures Production.

Subterranea stars Foi Wambui, Peter Kawa, Nice Githinji, Melvin Alusa, Melissa Kiplagat, Ndisi-Herrmann, Makena Kahuha, Biko Nyongesa, Pauline Komu, Dadson Gakenga, and Chintu Chudasama.

The 8-part series is set to premiere as a Showmax Original Sci-fi from September 26th.

Tangent

While sci-fi is a globally popular genre, African filmmakers have rarely explored it, largely due to the high production costs associated with visual effects, advanced technology, and futuristic settings. Most African productions have historically leaned towards storytelling rooted in local folklore, contemporary social issues, and traditional family dynamics. However, high-budget films are achievable through partnerships and collaboration with streaming services like Showmax.

Filming Subterranea is a significant milestone for Kenya’s film industry, which will inspire more filmmakers to explore speculative fiction, horror, fantasy, and other underrepresented genres in African cinema.

The title was announced at fame week Africa 2024 alongside some titled acquired or commissioned by multichoice.

Key Background

Likarion Wainaina is a Russian-born Kenyan filmmaker. He is best known as the director of critically acclaimed shorts Between the Lines and Bait and the most awarded Kenyan film in history, Supa Modo. Apart from filmmaking, he is also a cinematographer, editor, producer, and actor.

In Summary

Streaming service Showmax has confirmed that Subterranea will drop new episodes every Thursday and Africa looks forward to Kenya’s first sci-fi series.

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