Award-winning Kenyan director Likarion Wainaina is making a comeback on Showmax with his new science fiction series, “Subterranea.” The streaming platform has released a trailer for the eight-part show, which promises to be a thrilling and thought-provoking journey.
Wainaina, renowned for his award-winning superhero film “Supa Modo,” has assembled a talented cast of Kenyan actors for this unique series. “Subterranea” follows the story of eight individuals who find themselves trapped in an underground bunker following a global catastrophe.
The ensemble cast includes Kalasha Award winners such as Foi Wambui, Peter Kawa, and Nice Githinji, along with nominees Melvin Alusa and Melissa Kiplagat. Filmmaker Philippa Ndisi-Herrmann also makes her acting debut in the series, joined by other talented actors like Makena Kahuha, Biko Nyongesa, and Pauline Komu.
Speaking about the series, Wainaina explained, “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.”
The series, a Kibanda Pictures production, is co-produced by Wainaina and creator Brian Munene. Martin Kigondu and Arnold Mwanjila serve as additional writers on the project. Munene highlighted the human themes explored in “Subterranea,” emphasizing the importance of unity and family in the face of adversity.
“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,” Munene stated. The series also delves into societal issues rarely seen on Kenyan television, including male postpartum depression, PTSD among armed forces, and the impact of cults on their followers.
MultiChoice Studios will be handling international sales for “Subterranea,” which is set to premiere on Showmax on Sept. 26. Viewers can expect a gripping and thought-provoking series that challenges conventions and explores the depths of human psychology in a post-apocalyptic setting.
Don’t miss out on this exciting new series from Likarion Wainaina – mark your calendars for the premiere of “Subterranea” on Showmax!
