Acclaimed Kenyan filmmaker Likarion Wainaina is back on Showmax with “ Subterranea ,” a new science fiction series. The streaming service has released a trailer for the eight-episode show.

Wainaina, known for his award-winning superhero film “Supa Modo,” brings together a cast of Kenyan talent for this psychological experiment-turned-apocalyptic tale. The story follows eight individuals trapped in an underground bunker following a global catastrophe.

The ensemble includes Kalasha Award winners Foi Wambui (“Crime and Justice”), Peter Kawa (“County 49”) and Nice Githinji (“The Caller”), alongside nominees Melvin Alusa and Melissa Kiplagat (both from “Country Queen”). Filmmaker Philippa Ndisi-Herrmann makes her acting debut, joined by Makena Kahuha (“Kina”), Biko Nyongesa (“Sense8”), Pauline Komu (“Groove Theory”), Kenyan Theatre Awards winner Dadson Gakenga (“Subira”) and newcomer Chintu Chudasama.

“In Kenya , and perhaps other places, there’s this misconception that sci-fi always means futuristic or lots of laser guns, but sci-fi can also be about exploring the impact of real or imagined science on human psychology or behaviour. That is what ‘Subterranea’ is all about,” Wainaina said. “It’s not a futuristic show, but rather a series where we imagine science and how our characters react to it.”

The series is a Kibanda Pictures production co-produced by Wainaina and creator Brian Munene, with Martin Kigondu (“County 49”) and Arnold Mwanjila (“Taliya”) as additional writers. Munene, whose credits include “Crime and Justice” and “County 49,” said, “’Subterranea’ explores deeply human themes that will resonate with our Kenyan audience. We have eight individuals with very different personalities trapped in a bunker, and they must find a way to work together to survive, so themes of family and unity are highlighted.”

“The series also explores themes of broken systems and mental well-being. We delved deeper and asked ourselves: ‘What are some issues in Kenyan society that are often overlooked on TV?’ So ‘Subterranea’ examines issues such as male postpartum depression, PTSD among our armed forces, and the impact of cults in Kenya on their followers,” Munene explained.

MultiChoice Studios is handling international distribution for the series. “Subterranea” is set to debut on Showmax on Sept. 26.

Watch the trailer here: