Bigger Motion, LBx Africa’s distribution division, has secured East African rights to the 2025 Kenyan dystopian feature Memory of Princess Mumbi, a notable achievement for a film celebrated across the region. The deal will bring the movie to screens in Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania from August to September 2026, making it one of the most extensive theatrical releases for a contemporary Kenyan sci‑fi film. The move echoes mounting international interest in East African cinema as distribution networks broaden. Industry insiders have praised the announcement as a confident nod to African genre filmmaking.
Set in 2093 within the fictional African nation of Umata, Memory of Princess Mumbi fuses dystopian science fiction with documentary‑style narration to examine identity, power, and love. The story centers on a intricate love triangle featuring a film director portrayed by Abraham Joseph, an aspiring actress played by Shandra Apondi, and a prince embodied by Samson Waithaka. The futuristic backdrop serves as a mirror for contemporary social issues while still grounding the plot in strong human emotions. The hybrid approach has attracted attention for expanding traditional African cinema’s boundaries, blending speculative fiction with realistic character drama to forge a unique voice in global sci‑fi.
Directed by Swiss‑Kenyan filmmaker Damien Hauser, best known for After the Long Rains, the project has already earned international acclaim. It premiered in competition at Venice’s Giornate degli Autori in 2025, the first Kenyan film to be selected for that section. The movie later appeared at major festivals such as the Toronto International Film Festival and the BFI London Film Festival before returning home for its Kenyan premiere at the NBO Film Festival in October 2025. At every venue the film drew attention for its innovative structure and for using artificial intelligence both as theme and production tool, cementing its status as a leading Kenyan film of its era.
Kenyan critics have highlighted the film’s emotional depth and ambitious storytelling. Kelvin Kariuki of Sinema Focus praised its knack for blending technological concepts with human narrative, noting that it places genuine human conditions at its core. He described the work as a fresh, playful cinematic experience that challenges modern filmmaking conventions while retaining emotional truth. Such reception has fueled anticipation for the wider East African theatrical run, with audiences and reviewers citing its originality as a key draw.
Hauser expressed enthusiasm about the regional rollout, calling it a valuable chance to connect the film with East African audiences. He emphasized that the project was designed to deliver joy, warmth, and emotional resonance beyond its speculative setting, arguing that theatrical release offers the most authentic way viewers can experience its visual and narrative style. His comments reflect a broader aim to make the film accessible to those who missed it on the festival circuit, signifying a shift from festival exposure to mainstream cinema.
Co‑producer and lead actress Shandra Apondi, who portrays the titular Mumbi, also spoke about the film’s East African release. She underscored the emotional bond behind the production, explaining that the story was crafted with care to portray African humanity anew. Apondi said the film strives to move past familiar depictions of struggle and instead spotlight creativity, humor, and everyday life. She hopes audiences will deeply connect with the characters and emotional layers, viewing the release as a way to share the story with friends, family, and regional viewers attuned to its cultural context.
The film will open in independent cinemas across the five countries, with screening schedules and partner venues to be announced by Bigger Motion before the release window. The distribution plan aims to broaden access while supporting local cinema infrastructure and regional exhibition networks. The rollout follows a parallel major rights deal by Monument Releasing, which secured English‑language distribution for key markets such as the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. The movie is slated for U.S. cinemas on 14 August, strengthening its global reach. Together, these agreements position Memory of Princess Mumbi as one of the most widely distributed Kenyan films recently, heralding a new chapter for East African cinema worldwide.