A new chapter has opened in Crazy Kennar’s career following the highly anticipated release of Iscariot, his first fully self-written and self-directed film, which premiered last night on YouTube at exactly 8:00 PM.
The debut has intensified the conversation around his transformation from viral content creator to emerging filmmaker — a transition he has carefully and strategically been shaping over the past few years.
Announced earlier this month, Iscariot has been shrouded in mystery, but its release now brings clarity to the direction Kennar is taking as an artist.
For years, he has been synonymous with humor, skits, and relatable everyday storytelling.
With this film, he appears determined to show audiences a different dimension of his abilities — one rooted in deeper narratives, symbolism, and cinematic ambition.
The title alone signaled this shift well before the premiere. Iscariot, invoking Judas Iscariot and the theme of betrayal, hinted at a dramatic pivot away from the comedic space Kennar dominated.
The film, now fully available for public viewing, follows the story of a deputy principal whose life begins to unravel when the car he secretly uses for extramarital affairs inexplicably ‘gains life’ and threatens to expose him.
It is a premise that blends psychological tension with moral conflict, showcasing Kennar’s willingness to experiment beyond familiar formats.
This release also comes at a moment when Kennar’s personal artistic journey is clearer than ever.
Currently studying creative writing at AFDA in Johannesburg, he has been outspoken about his desire to outgrow short-form comedy and pursue long-form storytelling.
Years ago, he declared a dream many dismissed as unrealistic — that he intended to one day win an Oscar.
Last night’s premiere feels like another calculated step toward that long-term vision, a continuation of the promise he once made to himself and his audience: that he would evolve, one project at a time, until he got there.
Iscariot builds on the groundwork he began laying earlier in 2025 when he released My Name Is Omosh, a film created alongside rapper and filmmaker King Kaka.
But unlike that collaborative effort, Iscariot places the creative responsibility squarely on Kennar’s shoulders.
He controls the narrative, the tone, the direction, and the thematic weight, making this his most personal and defining project yet.
Its release also signals a larger cultural moment for Kenya’s digital creators. While Kenyan YouTubers have dominated online entertainment, few have attempted to translate their influence into structured, cinematic work.
By choosing to premiere Iscariot on YouTube — a platform where he has built a loyal and far-reaching audience — Kennar bypasses traditional film gatekeepers while still achieving impact and accessibility. It positions him at the forefront of a new wave of independent, creator-driven filmmaking in Kenya.
The public response since last night has been dynamic. Many viewers have expressed pride, seeing the film as proof that Kenyan digital creators can venture into more serious artistic territory.
Others are intrigued by the film’s dramatic and symbolic shifts, praising Kennar for stepping out of his comfort zone.
Skepticism still exists among some who wonder whether the comedian can sustain the discipline required for long-form filmmaking, but even those critiques acknowledge the boldness of the attempt.