Uchechukwu Faith Mordi is reflective, observant, and deeply interested in how people think, feel, and respond to the world around them. She pays attention to emotional shifts, unspoken tensions, and the small details that shape human relationships. These traits inform her approach to storytelling and explain her interest in writing stories that are grounded in honesty and emotional depth.
Naturally expressive and conversational, Mordi finds it difficult to hold back ideas once they begin to take shape. Writing, she says, keeps her grounded and helps her process the world around her. It is through creating that she stays present, balancing honesty with moments of lightness that guide her work.
Mordi began writing professionally in 2023 and has since earned credits across stage plays, short films, documentaries, and features, including Oyiza, In Circles, and Through Her Eyes. Two years into her Nollywood career, she secured her first commercial blockbuster credit as a co-writer on Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes.
In this interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Mordi speaks about co-writing Behind The Scenes, how the opportunity came about, her creative process, and the values that shape her storytelling.
Storytelling and Writing As a Calling
For Mordi, who was recently featured on FilmOne’s Top 10 Writers of 2025, writing and storytelling first became more than an interest since her formative years. “I’ve always been drawn to stories, but for a while I explored other career paths even though writing and storytelling were part of me from childhood,” she says.
Her passion began to feel like a calling during a process of seeking redirection through prayers. Almost casually, she recalled entering a writing competition, within this period, and with hundreds of entries, she emerged among the Top finalists. “Making the top ten finalists caught my attention in a deeper way. It felt like confirmation to return to writing seriously, less as a hobby and more as something I was being asked to commit to fully.”
Before turning to screenwriting, Mordi’s foundation was in fiction, an early influence that shaped her voice and confidence. This background also enhanced her storytelling skills, influenced by well-known literary and film works such as Hereditary, Game of Thrones, and Two and a Half Men. The recent graduate of English from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), explains that these shows and books taught her about pacing, dialogue, structure, and character development, helping her craft stories that feel authentic.
Writing often struggles with doubts and for a blockbuster like Behind The Scenes, stepping into a commercial blockbuster for the first time, Mordi admits doubts she had to unlearn to give her best output. “I used to struggle with perfectionism and constantly felt like I could have written better. Imposter syndrome didn’t help either. Over time, I learned to trust my instincts and focus on the work itself, accepting that writing is about persistence and honesty more than getting everything right.”
Co-writing “Behind The Scenes” Blockbuster
Breaking into the Nollywood spotlight can be a hard nut to crack, let alone writing a commercial blockbuster. It often takes rare talent and opportunity to rise in the seemingly impenetrable industry. This connote that being trusted as a rising screenwriter for a big-budget project speaks volume about Mordi’s talent as a writer. When asked how she got the opportunity to co-write Behind The Scenes, she was straightforward and confident in her response.
“The opportunity came as a follow-up from an earlier project I had sent my samples for, even though that first role didn’t materialize. Later, the producer reached out, and I strongly believe it was God’s grace because it could have gone to any writer. I think what convinced them was a belief in my talent and approach to storytelling, which they felt aligned with the vision for the film.”
Mordi shared the defining moment she realised Behind The Scenes script could become something historic. Her statement reaffirmed Akindele’s record-breaking ability with her previous box project Everybody Loves Jenifa and prior to that, A Tribe Called Judah also did impressive numbers at the Nigerian box office. Her latest project, Behind The Scenes continues to set historic records in Nollywood, one Mordi is part of.
“It clicked for me from the very first meeting. Being in a room with Funke Akindele, you could feel her energy, she only starts projects she believes can be historic. That conviction was contagious, and from the start, everyone was drawn in. I knew then that this script wasn’t just another project; it had the potential to leave a mark.”
On what she brought to the story that uniquely shaped the final film, the screenwriter insists on how stories flow and on establishing the reason behind a character’s motivation. “On this project, I brought attention to detail, spotting potential plot holes and raising points that helped tighten the narrative. I think my focus on consistency and logic in the story helped shape a film that feels both engaging and believable.”
Working with Funke Akindele and Collins Okoh
Co-writing the Nollywood commercial blockbuster Behind the Scenes alongside Akindele and her long-time collaborator Collins Okoh, Mordi confirmed the toll of work and pressure that comes with it. “I won’t lie, it was a lot of work, especially since it was my first commercial blockbuster. There was a lot of development, and at times we had to start over from scratch, even midway through the process.
Funke Akindele was central, serving as a sounding board and bringing her expertise to every decision. I worked closely with Collins Okoh, and his experience made collaboration seamless. Working with both of them taught me a lot about teamwork, discipline, and trusting the creative process under pressure,” she added.
In balancing creative instinct with audience expectations and box-office realities, Mordi focused on telling a story that was human, true, and relatable. For her, the story always comes first, and given the right platform, she believes a good story is bound to resonate with the audience.
Mordi’s writing experience on Behind the Scenes taught her lessons about collaboration, discipline and creative ownership. “For me, this experience just reaffirmed what I’ve always felt—collaboration works when everyone listens and respects each other, staying disciplined keeps me going even when it gets tough, and owning my part of the story meant trusting my instincts while staying open to ideas.”
“Behind The Scenes” Milestone and Writing Career
“Personally, it still feels surreal that people get to see my name on a project that’s rewriting Nollywood records,” she said. For Mordi, being part of a historic project making waves home and abroad is incredibly affirming and humbling. Professionally, it marks a milestone that has opened doors and strengthened her confidence as a writer.
Touching on how the success of Behind the Scenes has reshaped how she sees herself and her place within the Nollywood industry, she says, “I’ve always held myself in high regard. The opportunities I want may not have all come yet, but I know I’m going to make a big impact in Nollywood. I want to be a household name; I’m not the type of writer who quietly just writes. I want to take up space, be seen, and leave my mark.”
This record-breaking moment validates a belief Mordi has always had about her approach to work referencing the Bible verse that says,“ A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men.” She has always believed in the work she does and as such her talent has opened doors for her.
Screenwriters often feel their stories aren’t accurately depicted by directors on screen. As a co-writer on Behind The Scenes, Mordi says she was pleased. “Nothing major was altered, and the heart of the story was preserved. It was rewarding to see the script come to life on screen while staying true to the characters and the story we set out to tell.”
Legacy, Future Stories and Collaborations
Beyond the box-office numbers, Mordi hopes her stories connect with people on a real, human level. “I want them to feel, relate, and think about the choices and emotions of the characters and challenge stereotypes along the way.” As she continues to write for film and television, she wants a legacy —of stories told with honesty, depth, and care. “I’m committed to bringing excellence to every project and making sure my work always reflects my highest standards.”
To future screenwriters, especially women like herself, she hopes they learn that talent, persistence, and dedication to craft can open doors, and that they need to position themselves for opportunities and be ready when they come. “You don’t have to shrink to fit a space—you can take up room, be bold, and make your mark.”
“What excites me most about the stories I’m yet to tell is the process of creating them. I can’t wait to tell bold, unconventional stories, especially psychological thrillers with dark twists—and I look forward to the opportunities where I can do them justice,” she adds.
The screenwriter is not focused on just one person for future collaborations. She would like to collaborate with multiple talented creators, both in Nollywood and globally. “I love working with people who are passionate, innovative, and committed to telling stories that challenge and inspire, and I can’t wait for opportunities to learn from and create with them.”