Inside ‘Adam to Eve’: Filmmaker Alex Konstantaras on His Bold New Showmax Dramedy

Alex Konstantaras has never been afraid of risk. In fact, he thrives on it. After directing more than 15 films and earning recognition both locally and internationally, the award-winning filmmaker is back with his most daring project yet: Adam to Eve, a Showmax original dramedy that flips gender stereotypes in the most unexpected way.

Part comedy, part social commentary, Adam to Eve takes a fearless swing at patriarchy, identity, and transformation. Beneath the humor lies a director obsessed with craft. One who builds every episode like a short film, tracks emotional arcs like a musical score, and shapes characters with cinematic precision.

From unlocking an ending that “gave him chills” to orchestrating the final scene with near-ritual intention, Alex Konstantaras pulls back the curtain on the creative chaos behind Adam to Eve.

Alex Konstantaras (in yellow) on the set of Adam to Eve

You have directed over 15 Kenyan films and a full TV series. How did feature filmmaking shape the tone of Adam to Eve?

Alex Konstantaras: I approached Adam to Eve as one long feature film, broken into 26 episodes, with a clear cinematic arc. You can see this from the very first episode, which is structured like a short film.

This feature-length mindset meant I was constantly tracking character development with my team, from emotional beats down to costume and hair continuity. We ensured the series had the depth and payoff of a movie, not just episodic jokes. It was a challenge, but essential for the story we wanted to tell.

You trained at the Film School of Wales. How does that background influence your storytelling in Kenya?

Alex Konstantaras: My film training taught me the basic rules of good storytelling. Using them here in Kenya is like cooking a local dish but infusing it with Mediterranean spices; I learned what local audiences enjoy, and now I mix those familiar tastes with new ideas I want to share. The goal is to make something that feels true to Kenya but can also be appreciated by everyone.

Alex (cente) with Ellah Maina and Blessing Lungaho on the set of Adam to Eve

Adam to Eve uses comedy to challenge patriarchy. How did you ensure the script delivered substance without losing the humor?

Alex Konstantaras: Finding that balance was our biggest challenge; we didn't want to be too preachy or rely on cheap stereotypes. The key was to build a writing team that was a mix of sharp comedy writers and people with deep insight into gender issues.

By blending these different perspectives, we ensured every joke was rooted in a real character or an honest observation, making the humor feel natural and the substance even stronger.

What distinguishes Adam to Eve from your previous projects?

Alex Konstantaras: I think its bravery. The show directly questions patriarchy and gender roles within a deeply patriarchal society, but it does so without being preachy.

Using comedy and fantasy to tackle such a serious issue is a huge gamble; one usually avoids this because it can fail spectacularly, and the message can get lost. But when it works, it allows the truth to reach people in a completely new way.

Alex K (in yellow) on the set of Adam to Eve

What was the most creatively satisfying moment for you during the production?

Alex Konstantaras: The most satisfying moment in writing was finally unlocking the ending. After all the build-up, it was like the final piece of a puzzle sliding into place; it felt both surprising and completely right.

On set, that same joy came from watching the cast, especially our Eve (Ellah Maina) and Makori (Blessing Lungaho), breathe life into the script. They added layers of nuance that made the scenes even richer and funnier, proving the creative risks we took during casting were completely worth it.

Is there a specific scene you are most proud of?

Alex Konstantaras: It’s the final scene of the series—before the epilogue. I purposely scheduled it to be filmed as the last scene of the production and gave the script to the actors a couple of days before shooting, all to capture their most natural, surprised reactions.

The result was spectacular. Watching it come together, I had that rare feeling where your vision is perfectly realized; it literally gave me chills. I knew from the rushes we had created something truly unique.

You’ve won Best Script at the Kalasha Awards and Best Director at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards. How do you keep evolving?

Alex Konstantaras: Awards are most powerful when they arrive at the right time; when a creator is still in the trenches, taking risks. That kind of validation can fuel a career for years.

While I am driven to keep raising the bar, I also believe our industry should prioritize celebrating emerging voices. A well-timed recognition can make all the difference for a young filmmaker, far more than a lifetime achievement award decades later.

What genre are you eager to explore next?

Alex Konstantaras: I am really drawn to genres I love as a viewer but haven't directed yet, like a dark comedy, a mockumentary, or even a sci-fi story. My goal remains the same: to use a high-concept premise as a fresh way to explore social issues and, ultimately, spark a conversation.

What do you hope audiences take away from Adam to Eve?

Alex Konstantaras: I'm most curious to see if it sparks genuine conversation. Did it make audiences laugh, then think, and discuss these themes with their friends and family? And, on a personal note, I truly hope the audience enjoys the performances as much as I did.