Kenyan Filmmaker Omar Hamza’s Romcom “Sayari” Showcases Tigoni’s Tea Fields, Set for Cinema Debut

Sayari, a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of Tigoni’s lush tea plantations, will premiere across cinemas on 11th April, 2025. The upcoming film tells the story of a struggling BnB manager in Tigoni—a suburb in Kiambu County, Kenya—whose modest existence is truncated when she is contracted by the father of a runaway groom to ensure he shows up at his wedding.

Directed by Omar Hamza and co-written with June Wairegi who is also the producer, Sayari stars Muhugu Theuri (Kasiri, Crime and Justice) and Lucarelli Onyango (Single Kiasi, Stero) in the lead roles as love interests. The cast also includes supporting actors Gitura Kamau (Shimoni, Black & Blue) and Eddy Kimani (Country Queen, Sanura) who, as their well-intentioned, meddling fathers infuse a sense of allure and depth in the romantic story.

“This film is a must-watch for audiences looking for an authentic Kenyan rom-com,” says director Hamza. “This new film solidifies our commitment to bringing high-quality, homegrown stories to audiences.”

“Films were never meant to be watched on small screens in our beds or sofas,” producer and co-writer June Wairegi notes. “They’re a communal activity and that’s why we’re taking Sayari to the cinemas.”

The film will be released from the stable of Giza Visuals, the production outfit responsible for the AMVCA-nominated Rishai (2020), Gacal (2022), and the 2024 short film Sukari. All three films are written and directed by Kenyan filmmaker Omar Hamza. Also a cinematographer, Hamza is responsible for short films like Kimya (2021), Mzigo (2022) and Itifaki (2023).