What to Watch in East Africa This September
This September guide features TV shows and movies from Uganda and Kenya.
In September, East African cinema offers a captivating selection of films and TV shows that explore diverse narratives, from the vibrant streets of Nairobi to the remote landscapes of Turkana and beyond. This month's lineup showcases a rich blend of genres, including drama and sci-fi, with each production delving into profound themes that resonate with both local and global audiences.
Whether you're looking to immerse yourself in the glitz and drama of Kenya's entertainment industry or explore stories of resilience, identity and cultural heritage, there's something for everyone in this month's guide.
‘Nai-Rich’ (Kenya)
Nai-Rich takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the lives of five influential figures who have made their way to the top against all odds and are now making a killing out of it. They share their lives behind the glitz and glam of social media, giving viewers a glimpse behind the curtains of their drama-filled lives as they navigate friendship, love, family and business in the Kenyan entertainment industry.
Where to Watch: Showmax
‘Searching for Amani’ (Kenya)
In Searching for Amani, a 13-year-old aspiring journalist investigates his father’s mysterious murder within the boundaries of one of Kenya’s largest wildlife conservancies. As a ravaging drought encroaches, his quest to find the killer shifts and an activist is born as the collateral damage of a warming world is revealed.
Although the film debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival in June, Kenyans can now watch Searching for Amani locally at Unseen Nairobi. It will also be shown at the Vancouver International Film Festival from October 4 to 5.
Where to Watch: Unseen Nairobi until September 5.
‘Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire - Herderboy’ (Uganda)
Kizazi Moto: Generation Fire is an Afrofuturist animated anthology series that first premiered on Disney+ in 2023. One of the shorts, Herderboy, follows a reckless teenager tasked with protecting a valuable herd of cyborg cattle from a deadly spirit monster. Co-written and directed by Ugandan filmmaker Raymond Malinga, Herderboy will make its Ugandan debut at the Ngalabi Short Film Festival's eighth edition in Kampala.
Where to Watch: Ngalabi Short Film Festival in Kampala, from September 6 to 8
‘Subterranea’ (Kenya)
Dubbed Kenya’s first-ever sci-fi series, Subterranea follows eight participants who are placed in an underground bunker for a psychological experiment. In a twist of irony, the world ends and they are now trapped in the bunker with nowhere to go. Multi-award-winning Kenyan director Likarion Wainaina of Supa Modo fame, helms this new sci-fi thriller.
Where to Watch: Showmax, from September 26
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