27 January 2020
18 Hours (2017)
At the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCAs) 2018, Njue Kevin’s debut feature film 18 Hours made history by not only getting nominated in four categories but winning three of them – Best Movie East Africa, Best Picture Editor and the highly-coveted Best Overall Movie. It was a big feat for Kenya, and for Njue, especially on a platform like the AMVCAs that has always been dominated by Nollywood and one that has never witnessed a Kenyan film nominated in the Best Overall Movie category.
Released in 2017, and inspired by true events, 18 Hours follows two rookie paramedics – played by Brian Ogola (Lusala, Ma-Empress) and Nick Ndeda (News Just In, Shuga) – racing against time to save the life of a road accident victim, even after they are denied admission in several hospitals in Nairobi.
Njue, who appeared in Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2019 needs no introduction. He won his first award in 2014 for his first film Sticking Ribbons, which he wrote and produced while he was still a student at Kenyatta University. Sticking Ribbons won Best East African Talent at the 2014 Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), an achievement that opened up Njue for more great things. Like directing his first short Intellectual Scum, which screened at various film festivals across the world and is also a Kalasha 2015 nominee for Best Feature by a student.
Original African stories by local talent
The ABC Killer
The ABC Killer is a twisty true-crime documentary series about serial killer Moses Sithole. Stream from 22 July on Showmax.
Made in South Africa
What if we believed the best can come from here?
Let’s rewrite the rules of what it means to be local.
Untied S1
Untied explores the deeply personal and often complex experience of divorce, told through the voices of women who have lived it. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Reckless S1
Reckless follows a pair of young brothers who find themselves at a crossroads when a tragic accident changes their lives forever. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday and Tuesday.
Made in Kenya
The Mommy Club NBO
The Mommy Club NBO is the fifth instalment of the record-breaking Mommy Club franchise. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Empini S1-2
Empini is a high-stakes, action-packed drama set in the ruthless, corrupt world of private security. Season 2 is now streaming, with new episodes every Tuesday.
Made in South Africa
Youngins S1-2
Stream Tshedza Pictures’s first teen drama, Showmax Original Youngins. S1 and S2 are ready to binge.
Made in South Africa
The Real Housewives of Durban Seasons 1-5
Our eThekwini queens are back with a brand-new season. Stream Season 1-5 now, with part one of the reunion now streaming and part 2 landing on 11 July 2025.
Made in South AfricaThe Mommy Club NBO now streaming
The Chocolate Empire, now streaming
The best movies to stream
Elphaba and Glinda’s Wicked little guide
Find out what Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande have to say about Wicked, pick up 10 magical behind-the-scenes facts, and explore 7 more schools of witchcraft and wizardry.
Push play on Father’s Day: Dads just want to have fun
If you’re trying to figure out what the mystery man known as dad really wants this Father’s Day, promise him one-on-one time with our Dads Just Wanna Have Fun collection.
James McAvoy and James Watkins on Speak No Evil
Speak No Evil director James Watkins and star James McAvoy explain “host” Paddy’s creepy charisma, and we check out 6 more roles that prove you never know what to expect with James McAvoy.
Celebrate World Oceans Day with My Penguin Friend
My Penguin Friend director David Schurmann and actor Jean Reno explain how you shoot a penguin. Plus, explore our World Oceans Day watchlist of 25 wet and wild movies and series.