
Kenyan filmmaker to debut feature film BOBO on Showmax
Local filmmaker and MultiChoice Talent Factory alumnus Maurice Muendo is set to have his directorial debut film BOBO premiere on Showmax this May. The film comes to the African streamer following its premiere at the 2025 Joburg Film Festival, where it received rave reviews.
BOBO follows a promising young woman who misses a chance to secure a bursary and discovers her family is at the brink of losing their land to a shylock. As Bobo navigates the complexities of her family’s and society’s obligations around her, she realises that the road to achieving her dreams is fraught with unexpected challenges and difficult choices.
Watch the trailer for BOBO
BOBO features newcomer Faith Muthoni in the title role, supported by Kelly Njeri Gathoni (Jiji), Zak Matasi (4Play), Elvis Makutsa (Selina), Thuita Mwangi (Pepeta), Naitwa Louisa (Kina), and Catherine Buluma (Tehanani).
Maurice Muendo produced the film under African Dopler Limited (County 49, Volume) and collaborated with fellow MTF alumnus Bruno Tanya, who served as the film's writer.

“I have always been drawn to stories of resilience and ambition, especially those within marginalised communities, because they mirror my own experiences growing up in Eastleigh - facing struggles yet daring to dream,” says Maurice. “BOBO resonated deeply with me because it represents the untold stories of so many young people fighting against the odds to change their narratives.”
“Setting the film in Mathare was crucial, as it was more than just a backdrop – it was a character in the film. I worked closely with residents to ensure the authenticity of the environment and to honour its rawness and spirit. Through BOBO, I wanted to challenge societal norms that often define people by their circumstances. This film is about breaking generational cycles and proving that dreams are valid, no matter where you come from. My hope is that it inspires audiences to chase their ambitions and believe in the power of resilience,” adds Maurice.

Maurice pitched BOBO after Showmax, in partnership with Joburg Film Festival, issued an open call for a slate of movies from first-time film directors from Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. BOBO was selected from 296 submissions, whittled down by MultiChoice content executives; Joburg Film Festival curator Nhlanhla Ndaba; award-winning independent filmmakers Femi Odugbemi, Njoki Muhoho and Pat van Heerden; and jury chair Cheryl Uys-Allie, the former Africa director for the MultiChoice Talent Factory film academies in Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia.
Don’t miss the chance to experience this inspiring story of hope and transformation when BOBO premieres exclusively on Showmax on 23 May 2025.
More like this

Black Bag (2025)
Michael Fassbender faces the ultimate test of loyalty in espionage movie Black Bag, about a spy whose wife might be the mole he's tasked to find.

The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim (2024)
The epic anime prequel to The Lord of the Rings franchise. Hera, King Helm's daughter, must lead the fight against an enemy seeking vengeance.

Faith Kibathi talks about her role as Rebecca in Single Kiasi S4
Faith Kibathi opens up about her role as Rebecca in Single Kiasi S4, now streaming on Showmax. Catch new episodes every Wednesday.

Inside spy movie Black Bag
Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp give us a top-secret peek inside their new spy movie Black Bag.
Single Kiasi Season 4 officially premieres in Nairobi
Single Kiasi Season 4 launched in style with a glamorous red carpet event and is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes every Wednesday.

Horror countdown: 31 days of Halloween
Get ready for Showmax's epic countdown to Halloween this October. From supernatural thrills to chilling horrors, there's something for everyone.Stream now on Showmax.

Iyanu: The Age of Wonders (2025)
When Meje, the living embodiment of the seven deadly sins, threatens the land, young warriors Dara and Ishe must prevent an age of darkness.
Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film
Kenyan screen legend Godfrey Odhiambo talks about his role as Edward, the patriarch of the Sonoko family on Showmax Original crime drama Reckless.
Single Kiasi S4, now streaming
Reckless S1, now streaming
More enthralling movies

MobLand S1
Tom Hardy and Pierce Brosnan propel this gripping, gritty crime drama series that follows two powerful families engaged in an intense power struggle.
Big mobs, small jobs: 10 crime series to stream on Showmax
Not everybody can be the Godfather. From MobLand to The Cleaning Lady to Gangs of London, we look at 11 small but essential jobs that take care of the organising behind organised crime.

Must-watch trailer: The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa
The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Africa brings together Housewives from across the continent, landing on Showmax on 28 November 2025.

Showmax Premier League weekly watchlist: 14-22 October 2025
Stream every Premier League and PSL game on your mobile device live on Showmax Premier League.
Latest Stories

Bafana Bafana composed for Durban showdown against Zimbabwe

Arsenal and Liverpool early front-runners ahead of Premier League international break

The Premier League canvas: a Saturday masterpiece painted in blue and red
Godfrey Odhiambo on Reckless, his career, and the evolution of Kenyan film

The clash of the new number 9s: Gyökeres vs Woltemade

June Squibb wins Best Actress award at age 95 for Thelma

Red vs Blue: Showmax Premier League serves up a blockbuster weekend

Blockbuster Premier League weekend: Red vs Blue

Minne Kariuki on Single Kiasi, motherhood and being a “gold digger”

Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr chat about Den of Thieves 2: Pantera

From doubt to dynamo: Micky van de Ven's rise at Tottenham

Mhlongo's bold prediction: Pirates to clinch MTN8 Title for a fourth year running

Carey Priscilla dishes on The Mommy Club NBO drama

Glory awaits: From MTN8 Kings to Manchester's Crown, football's biggest stage is on Showmax

Art, money and power: a blueprint for The Brutalist

The best Premier League signings of 2025's summer window

What to watch on Showmax in Kenya in September 2025

Alexander Isak a great option for LFC's attack, say former Liverpool striker David Ngog

Kate and Annie take charge in Ten Pound Poms Season 2

First look: Single Kiasi returns for Season 4

Radio queen Cess Mutungi to host The Mommy Club NBO reunion

Vilakazi's verdict: Sundowns to "edge it" in high-stakes MTN8 semi-final

Rivalries reignite in thrilling Premier League games on Showmax

5 patients you’ll meet in The Pitt Season 1