Nigerian Creative Francis Uche Explores Identity in New Short Film “Are You Truly Nigerian?”

By Tolulope Oke

A new short film titled “Are You Truly Nigerian?”, currently in production, is set to spark conversations around identity, culture, social perception, and the shared struggles of everyday Nigerians.

The project, which blends animation, humour, and real-life experiences, explores how Nigerians define and judge one another’s “Nigerianness” through accents, behaviour, tribal assumptions, and everyday interactions. Rather than offering direct answers, the film is designed to provoke thought and challenge deeply held perspectives.

Speaking on the intent behind the project, its creator, Uchenna Francis-Ukwuoma, popularly known as Francis Uche, described the film as “a deliberate interruption of autopilot thinking.”

According to him, “Are You Truly Nigerian?” does not attempt to deny the realities often associated with Nigeria, but instead encourages audiences to look beyond them.

“At its core, the film presents a simple but powerful idea- Nigerian-ness is not a performance, it is a resilience of spirit,” he said.

By stylising familiar social experiences and behaviours, the film creates moments that appear humorous at first, but gradually become reflective, prompting viewers to confront their own perceptions and biases.

A Mirror of Society

Beyond its entertainment value, the film functions as a mirror, reflecting how Nigerians interact with and perceive one another.

It highlights how individuals question authenticity, police accents and behaviour, and unconsciously reinforce inherited stereotypes. Through this approach, the narrative allows Nigerians, in many ways, to “argue with oneself” across different tribes, generations, and social backgrounds.

The use of humour and animation serves as an entry point, drawing audiences in before revealing deeper cultural truths embedded within everyday experiences.

The Mind Behind the Project

Francis Uche, the creative force behind the film, is a Nigerian multidisciplinary storyteller whose work spans photography, marketing, creative direction and film.

Since beginning his creative journey in 2016, he has developed a reputation for blending storytelling with cultural insight and strategic thinking, creating narratives that are both visually engaging and socially relevant.

Drawing from his background in brand strategy and media, he approaches storytelling with both creative intuition and strategic clarity, ensuring that each narrative connects with its audience on a deeper level. His stories are not just told, they are designed to evoke reflection, challenge perspectives, and inspire change.

His approach to storytelling goes beyond surface-level representation, centering on personal struggles, shared societal experiences in Nigeria/Africa, mental health, identity, and emotional depth.

Over the years, he has directed 3 short film projects that have collectively earned 7 international film festival selections. His work has been recognised by global platforms including the Animusic International Animation Festival, Lift-Off Filmmaker Sessions, Entertainment Week Africa, and the Afromeric Award of Excellence and Film Festival.

Telling Stories That Matter
For Francis, storytelling goes beyond creative expression, it is a form of cultural responsibility.

He believes strongly in the importance of authentic African narratives and the need for Africans to take ownership of their stories, presenting them to the world from a place of truth and depth.

Through “Are You Truly Nigerian?”, he continues this mission, using film as a tool to challenge, educate, and inspire.

Looking Ahead

With the project still in production, anticipation is already building around what promises to be a thought-provoking and culturally resonant film.

As Francis Uche continues to grow as an animator and filmmaker, his work remains focused on one central idea, telling stories that matter.

If this upcoming project is any indication, “Are You Truly Nigerian?” will not just be a film, but a conversation- and perhaps, a necessary reflection of identity in modern Nigeria.