Inside 'BOBO': The Making of a Film About Hope, Dreams, and Mental Health

Suppose you ever asked 21-year-old Maurice Muendo Musyoki what kind of TV show he’d make. In that case, he’d tell you, without hesitation, that it would be a reality series spotlighting individuals who’ve triumphed against adversity.

That answer alone tells you everything you need to know about the young Kenyan filmmaker: he's driven by empathy, storytelling, and a deep belief in the power of hope.

Now, that passion has materialized in his debut feature film, BOBO, currently streaming on Showmax. The film, which premiered earlier this year at the prestigious Joburg Film Festival, marks the arrival of a bold new voice in Kenyan cinema, one that refuses to ignore the tough stories that often go untold.

“BOBO resonated deeply with me because it represents the untold stories of so many young people fighting against the odds to change their narratives,” says Maurice, reflecting on the film's inspiration.

“I have always been drawn to stories of resilience and ambition, especially those within marginalised communities, because they mirror my own experiences growing up in Eastleigh – facing struggles yet daring to dream.”

Set in the heart of Mathare, BOBO follows the journey of a bright young woman who misses out on a bursary opportunity and suddenly finds her family on the verge of losing their land to a shylock.

As the film unfolds, Bobo is forced to confront the pressures of society, family, and circumstance, mirroring the harsh yet deeply relatable realities faced by many Kenyan youth.

For Maurice, the choice of Mathare as the setting was deeply intentional.

“Setting the film in Mathare was crucial, as it was more than just a backdrop – it was a character in the film. I worked closely with residents to ensure the authenticity of the environment and to honour its rawness and spirit,” he explains.

At the core of BOBO is breakout star Faith Muthoni, who plays the lead with stunning emotional clarity and grit.

“Faith embodies Bobo’s spirit—her determination, vulnerability, and fire,” Maurice shares.

“When she auditioned, she didn’t just act; she became Bobo. And it was her first time acting!”

Surrounding Faith is a cast of remarkable talent, including Kelly Njeri Gathoni, Zak Matasi, Elvis Makutsa, Thuita Mwangi, Naitwa Louisa, and Catherine Buluma.

Many of them, like their director, come from backgrounds that mirror the struggles depicted onscreen, adding to the film’s emotional authenticity.

BOBO was one of seven titles selected from nearly 300 submissions across Kenya, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa in an open call by Showmax and the Joburg Film Festival for first-time directors.

“It was surreal,” Maurice says. “Being selected validated my vision and reinforced my belief that stories like BOBO need to be told. It was a huge milestone in my career.”

Maurice is a proud alumnus of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Academy, an experience he credits with shaping his voice and craft.

“MTF was a game-changer for me. It exposed me to different filmmaking techniques, connected me with industry professionals, and deepened my understanding of the African film landscape,” he says.

“More importantly, it instilled in me the importance of authenticity and the power of telling stories rooted in my culture.”

The story behind BOBO is as powerful as the film itself. Maurice originally pursued finance under family pressure but followed his true calling by secretly applying to MTF, where he won a scholarship. That leap of faith has since set him on a path he believes he was born for.

Beyond film, Maurice is also passionate about business and hopes to inject originality, indigenous languages, and vibrant new perspectives into Africa’s video entertainment scene.

His cinematic influences include Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Wairimu, and Edi Gathegi, while his favourite films range from Rafiki and Nairobi Half Life to Sarafina and The Hate U Give.

Asked what he hopes audiences will take away from BOBO, Maurice’s answer is simple yet profound: “I want people to see that where you come from does not define you. Dreams are valid, and success is possible despite adversity. I also hope the film sheds light on mental health struggles and the pressure young people face in disadvantaged communities.”

There’s a particular scene from the film that Maurice will never forget—when Faith Muthoni, in character as Bobo, delivers a monologue about not wanting to end up like her mother. “The entire crew went silent, and some even teared up. It was at that moment that I knew we were creating something special.

With BOBO, Maurice Muendo Musyoki has not only told a story—he has ignited a conversation. And for a first-time director, that’s no small feat.

What message do you hope audiences will take away from BOBO?

“I want people to see that where you come from does not define you. Dreams are valid, and success is possible despite adversity. I also hope the film sheds light on mental health struggles and the pressure young people face in disadvantaged communities,”.

His advice to aspiring filmmakers?

“Let’s tell our authentic story: if we don’t, who else will?”