Bigger Motion, the distribution arm of LBx Africa, has officially acquired the East African distribution rights to the 2025 Kenyan dystopian feature Memory of Princess Mumbi, marking a major milestone for one of the region’s most internationally recognised films. The agreement will see the film released across cinemas in Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Uganda and Tanzania between August and September 2026. This rollout positions the film for one of the widest theatrical releases ever for a contemporary Kenyan sci-fi production. It also reflects growing global interest in East African cinema as distribution networks expand across the continent. The announcement has been welcomed by industry stakeholders who view it as a strong signal of confidence in African genre filmmaking.
Set in the year 2093 in the fictional African state of Umata, Memory of Princess Mumbi blends dystopian science fiction with documentary-style storytelling to explore themes of identity, power and love. The narrative follows a complex love triangle involving a film director played by Abraham Joseph, an aspiring actress played by Shandra Apondi and a prince portrayed by Samson Waithaka. The film uses its futuristic setting to reflect on present-day social dynamics, while maintaining a strong emotional core driven by human relationships. Its hybrid storytelling approach has drawn attention for pushing the boundaries of traditional African cinema. By combining speculative fiction with grounded character drama, the film creates a distinctive voice within the global sci-fi landscape.
Directed by Swiss-Kenyan filmmaker Damien Hauser, known for After the Long Rains, the project has already achieved significant international recognition. It premiered in competition at Venice’s Giornate degli Autori in 2025, becoming the first Kenyan feature selected for that category. The film later screened at major global festivals including 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 each stop, the film attracted attention for its inventive structure and its exploration of artificial intelligence as both a thematic and production tool. Its international festival run helped establish it as one of the most prominent Kenyan films of its generation.
Critical response in Kenya has also highlighted the film’s emotional depth and creative ambition. Film critic Kelvin Kariuki of Sinema Focus praised its ability to balance technological themes with human storytelling, noting that it places real human conditions at the centre of its narrative. He described it as a refreshing and playful cinematic experience that challenges assumptions about modern filmmaking while maintaining emotional authenticity. This reception has contributed to growing anticipation for its wider East African theatrical release. Audiences and critics alike have pointed to its originality as a key factor in its appeal.
Director Damien Hauser has expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming regional rollout, describing it as a meaningful opportunity to connect the film with audiences across East Africa. He emphasised that the project was designed to bring joy, warmth and emotional resonance, beyond its futuristic setting. According to him, the theatrical release represents the most authentic way for audiences to experience the film’s visual and narrative style. His comments reflect a broader ambition to make the film accessible to viewers who may not have encountered it during its international festival circuit. This regional distribution marks a shift from festival exposure to mainstream cinematic engagement.
Co-producer and lead actress Shandra Apondi, who plays the titular character Mumbi, has also spoken about the importance of the film’s East African release. She highlighted the emotional connection behind the production, noting that the story was created with care and a desire to reflect African humanity in a new light. Apondi explained that the film aims to move beyond familiar portrayals of struggle and instead focus on creativity, humour and everyday experiences. She expressed hope that audiences will connect deeply with the characters and the story’s emotional layers. For her, the release represents a chance to share the film with friends, family and regional audiences who understand its cultural context.
The East African rollout of Memory of Princess Mumbi will take place in independent cinemas across the five countries, with screening schedules and partner venues expected to be announced by Bigger Motion ahead of the release window. The distribution strategy aims to maximise access while supporting local cinema infrastructure and regional film exhibition networks. This expansion follows another major rights acquisition by Monument Releasing, which secured international English-language distribution for key global markets including the United States, United Kingdom and Canada. The film is set to open in U.S. cinemas on 14 August, further strengthening its global presence. Together, these deals position Memory of Princess Mumbi as one of the most widely distributed Kenyan films in recent years, signalling a new chapter for East African cinema on the world stage.
