Shirleen Wangari’s inaugural feature, Cards on the Table: A Christmas Movie, is set to premiere on November 29, 2025, at Century Cinemax Garden City. This film marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s burgeoning creative economy. Described as a romantic heist comedy, it centres on two former lovers who attempt to steal money from gate collections at a holiday event, only to find themselves grappling with past wounds and evolving truths.
Wangari took on the dual role of writer and producer, evolving the world she previously introduced in her 2024 short film 1992 and its stage adaptation. “We’re creating a 1992 universe — a collection of narratives that reflect our past and our present,” she explains. Kenya possesses an incredibly rich cultural heritage. It’s time to showcase it on screen.”
Blackwell Films is swiftly establishing itself as one of the rare independent production companies in Kenya that is woman-owned and managed. Wangari’s vision extends beyond filmmaking; she aims to cultivate a sustainable ecosystem for creative talents, encompassing writers, actors, and production teams.
Director Victor Gatonye, known for the film 40 Sticks, describes it as a “character-driven heist dramedy that echoes the struggle for survival in challenging economic conditions.” This is where Wangari’s storytelling truly shines — blending humour and romance to illuminate authentic challenges.
By anchoring the narrative in the early ’90s, Wangari taps into a nostalgic vein that resonates with Kenyan millennials and Gen X viewers while attracting global audiences eager for genuine African stories.
Cards on the Table is poised to become part of Kenya’s emerging holiday film roster, joining titles like A Familiar Christmas and A Merry X-Mess, signalling the artistic and commercial potential of local storytelling.
Wangari’s strategic blend of nostalgia, romance, and cultural identity positions her as a frontrunner among Kenyan creatives who are expanding storytelling into franchises. Her long-term aspiration? To develop the 1992 universe into a set of interconnected tales that delve into Kenya’s historical and emotional landscape through film, theatre, and streaming.
In an industry where funding and visibility are persistent challenges, Wangari’s achievements underscore the possibilities that arise when creativity aligns with vision. Cards on the Table: A Christmas Movie is more than just a film — it’s a powerful statement that Kenyan narratives deserve a place on the global stage.
