By Eddah Waithaka
Maurice Muendo never planned to become a filmmaker. Yet, against all odds, his debut feature, BOBO, is set to premiere at the Joburg Film Festival before streaming on Showmax—a milestone he calls “a dream come true.”
In an exclusive interview, Muendo opens up about his unconventional journey, the making of *BOBO*, and why stories from the margins matter.
From Finance to Filmmaking: An Unlikely Path
Muendo’s career began in finance, a choice driven by family expectations. But his passion for storytelling refused to stay buried. Secretly, he applied to the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) and landed a scholarship.
“When I got accepted, I knew filmmaking was my true calling,” he says. The MTF program sharpened his skills, exposing him to industry professionals and diverse African storytelling techniques.
“It taught me the power of authenticity—of telling stories rooted in our own cultures,” he explains.
Why ‘BOBO’ Had to Be His First Film
Set in Nairobi’s Mathare slums, BOBO follows a young woman fighting poverty and societal limits to chase her dreams. For Muendo, the story hit close to home.
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“I grew up in Eastleigh, where people are often defined by their struggles,” he shares. “Bobo represents every young person told they’ll never succeed. I wanted to show that ambition can break generational cycles.”
To capture Mathare’s raw energy, Muendo involved locals in production. “The slum isn’t just a setting—it’s a character in the film,” he says.
Discovering a Star: Faith Muthoni’s Breakout Role
Casting newcomer Faith Muthoni as Bobo was a gamble that paid off. “She didn’t just act, she became Bobo,” Muendo recalls. One emotional scene left the crew in tears. “That’s when I knew we had something special.”
A Triumph Against the Odds
‘BOBO’ emerged from nearly 300 submissions in a Showmax and Joburg Film Festival competition. Winning gave Muendo crucial funding and creative freedom.
“It validated that stories like this need to be told,” he says. Now, with a festival premiere and Showmax debut lined up, Muendo hopes BOBO inspires audiences. “Where you come from doesn’t define you. Dreams are valid, no matter what.”
Advice to Aspiring Filmmakers
His message to emerging creators? “Tell your authentic stories. If we don’t, who will?”
‘BOBO’ premieres at the Joburg Film Festival this month before streaming on Showmax.
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