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
Untying Kantai
Untying Kantai follows King Kantai, a man who has spent 30 years of his life working hard to provide for his family, only to be conned out of his life savings. Stream from 9 May, with new episodes weekly.
Big Girl Small World
Stream the new Kenyan romcom series Big Girl Small World from 8 May, with new episodes every week.
Empini S1
Stream the Showmax Original drama series Empini from 23 May 2024.
Original Sin: My Son The Killer
Original Sin: My Son The Killer follows the murder of Andrea Venter by Gerhard Jansen van Vuuren, who then went on the run from South Africa to Brazil.
Tracking Thabo Bester
From the makers of Devilsdorp and the director of Convict Conman comes the true-crime documentary South Africa has been waiting for. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
The Illuminated
The Showmax Original docuseries The Illuminated explores different religious movements in South Africa. All episodes now streaming.
Koek S1
The crime comedy Koek, starring Cindy Swanepoel. All the episodes are streaming on Showmax.
Ekhaya Backpackers S1
Stream the Showmax Original comedy series Ekhaya Backpackers. All the episodes are now streaming.
What will be the cost of vengeance? Empini S1, coming soon
The Roast Of Minnie Dlamini, now streaming
More Mzansi gold
9 most shocking moments in The Illuminated
Are you strong enough to binge Showmax Original documentary series The Illuminated? Here’s what you’ll need to prepare yourself.
Youngins Season 1 Episode 37-39 recap: Expelled!
While the five’s video goes viral, they’re swiftly expelled and forced to return home following a disciplinary hearing in Episodes 37-39 of Showmax Original Youngins.
What to watch on Showmax in May 2024
Stream Barbie and Oppenheimer in South Africa now, only on Showmax. Plus a ton more great stuff coming in May.
The Mommy Club Season 2 Episode 11 recap: Cutting through
In episode 11 of The Mommy Club S2, Hermajesty hosts a ‘Healing with Hermajesty’ night picnic that turns sour. New episodes every Monday.