Coming in hot from Kenya, the new Showmax Original comedy drama series Big Girl Small World is set to premiere on May, 8.
The 13-part series follows Ciku, a plus-size woman who stumbles through a journey of self-discovery after a humiliating scandal. In the process, she finds out what it means to live big in a world determined to shrink her.
The series features an all-female writing team of head writer Angela Ruhinda (Binti), Gathoni Kamau (Murder Camp), Wanjiru Kairu (The Agency), Safina Iqbal (Disconnect) and Kui Mwai.
Big Girl Small World is directed by Nick Mutuma, behind the Kalasha-nominated films You Again and Sincerely Daisy. Mutuma also serves as series producer alongside Kevin Njue, behind AMVCA- and Kalasha-winning film 18 Hours.
“Our Kenyan audiences have always demanded shows that represent them and their experiences. We set out to be as honest as possible in our writing and to dig deep enough to tap into our hidden emotions,” says series producer Njue.
“Big Girls Small World is a show centred around a woman in her early 30s so it was very important for us to have an all-female writing team. We wanted this story to be wholly written from a female perspective, capturing the intricacies and nuances with rawness and authenticity without imposing the male gaze into the story.”
In the lead role is newcomer June Njenga, who plays Ciku. Another newcomer, Daina Njuguna. She’s a wildcard whose free-spirited persona and carefree outlook to life often lands her in trouble.
Second Family’s Derek Bbanga is the enigmatic and charming Jomo, who enters Ciku’s life unexpectedly, offering her everything she desires but there’s more to him than meets the eye. [Stevens Muendo]