Entertainment
CARDS ON THE TABLE: A CHRISTMAS MOVIE SET TO PREMIERE
Get ready for a festive heist with a twist of nostalgia as Blackwell Films prepares to unveil Cards on the Table: A Christmas Movie.
This character-rich romantic dramedy, which transports audiences to the vibrant heart of 1992 Nairobi, is set for its world premiere on November 29th, 2025. The debut will be held at Century Cinemax in Garden City Mall, Nairobi, with a worldwide online release launching on the same day.
The story centres on Jackso played by Nyakundi Isaboke and Beth staring Shirleen Wangari, former lovers pushed to desperate measures by a struggling economy. In a bold move, they conspire to steal the ticket revenue from Nairobi’s biggest Christmas Eve celebration. However, their carefully laid plan quickly unravels not from external forces, but from within.
Long-buried tensions and unresolved feelings between them explode into a very public confrontation, drawing the attention of the authorities. Their intended Christmas score lands them in a jail cell, where they must face the relentless questioning of Inspector Kip.
As the film’s tagline puts it, the plot follows “an ex-couple whose Christmas robbery in 1992 Nairobi goes awry when their personal baggage lands them in handcuffs.”
Directing the project is acclaimed Kenyan filmmaker Victor Gatonye, whose previous work includes the Netflix feature 40 Sticks, the Kina TV Series, and a writing credit on the award-winning film The Dog. Gatonye describes the film as more than just a comedic caper.
“At its heart, ‘Cards on the Table’ is a character-driven story about survival in a tough economic climate. While it follows two desperate exes attempting a petty crime, it ultimately delves into the deeper state of their lives, offering a possible reflection of our current times.”
Shirleen who not only plays the lead role of Beth but also steps into the role of Producer for the first time on an independent feature. “My aim is to deliver a truly entertaining movie. What each viewer discovers within that entertainment is uniquely their own.”
