Showmax hosts exclusive screening of County 49

Showmax treated guests to an exclusive screening of the first episode of the new Kenyan Showmax Original series County 49 on Tuesday 23 August at Nairobi Street Kitchen.

The event which was hosted by Martin Githinji (who also part of the cast) was attended by County 49 leads Wakio Mzenge, Nyokabi Macharia, Peter Kawa and Ainea Ojiambo, director Likarion Wainaina, producer Millicent Ogutu and other cast and crew members. Also in attendance were directors of the Showmax Originals Igiza and the drama series Single Kiasi, and the media.

After the screening of the episode, the cast and the director shared more about County 49 in a Q&A panel moderated by host Githinji. When asked if it was deliberate that the show was being released in an election year, Likarion said, “I’m not a politician, and it (County 49) coming out at such a time has nothing to do with politics. This is simply a story that needed to be told because the issues the show tackles affects all of us.”

Speaking about the role that Showmax plays in the growth of the film and TV industry in Kenya, producer Brian Munene said, “I’m privileged to have friends across the continent. And it has always been a challenge to find a platform that is Africa first. If you want African content, Showmax is the platform for you. Showmax has also brought African filmmakers closer, so that we can experience each other’s content easily.”

Director Likarion praised Showmax for the strides made in the industry and for allowing Kenyan filmmakers to push the boundaries of story-telling in Kenya. ”There was a time we were not allowed to do or say some things on screen but we’re slowly pushing the boundaries with every new content that Showmax is releasing,” Likarion said.

The fifth Showmax Original series in Kenya, County 49 follows the political intrigues of the fictional Bwatele County, Kenya’s 49th county and the nation’s breadbasket. Despite the county’s wealth, its citizens are suffering from the high cost of living and scarce resources.

County 49 is now streaming on Showmax, with new episodes releasing every Thursday.