Filmmaker Abdi Shuria mocks Kenyan cops and their noterity culture in new film
Filmmaker Abdi Shuria has opened up about his latest project titled ‘Black and Blue‘ which, unlike his previous films, takes a swipe at Kenyan policemen and their notoriety culture.
The series, which is set to premiere next month, is an original police-based mockumentary series that revolves around the Kenyan police and their notoriety way of life in the line of duty.
“The idea for Black & Blue came to me as I reflected on my many interactions with the Kenyan police, which in the past have not always been positive. I have always believed that where there is tragedy, there is humor. For me, humor is cathartic – it’s like a stress reliever. I asked myself, ‘How can I take these negative experiences and inject humor as a tool to explore, discuss, and entertain?’ and this is what I came up with.” Abdi Shuria says.
The series follows an Office Commanding Station (OCS) which, in a bold attempt to rebrand the bad image of the police and appeal to the public, the Kenya Police recruits a civilian as an Officer Commanding Station (OCS).
This new OCS brings a unique civilian perspective to policing and turns things upside down at the experimental station.
A documentary team is hired to follow and document the process, but inadvertently exposes the behind-the-scenes shenanigans of the police as they struggle to adapt to the new reforms.
Kalasha winner Gitura Kamau (Lusala) stars as the charismatic OCS. The talented ensemble cast includes Lydia Gitachu of Kina, Kalasha winner Annstella Karimi (Baba Twins, Sue na Jonnie), Collins Koyo (Asha), Hillary Wamiti (Sense8), Andrew Ng’ang’a (Escape from Mogadishu), Dennis Mutisya (Varshita, Shanga), Mwajuma Belle (Poacher, The Call) and Lawrence Kimani (Varshita, Njoro wa Uba).
Abdi Shuria has previously directed the thriller series Igiza, as well as Faithless which streams on Showmax