Nollywood screenwriter and filmmaker Uchechukwu Faith Mordi has shared insights into the creative process behind her latest project, A Way Forward, developed under the MTV Shuga Naija Short Innovation Lab.
In an exclusive interview with The Nollywood Reporter, Mordi explained that cultural authenticity was central to the storytelling process, particularly as the film is set in Northern Nigeria.
“For me, it really came down to respect and authenticity. If you’re going to tell a story in a culture or language, you owe it honesty and nuance. I didn’t want it to feel like the culture was a backdrop. It had to feel real, so I paid attention to things like language, values, and how people actually live,” she said.
While she had previously spent time in the region, Mordi noted that additional research was necessary to avoid assumptions and ensure accuracy in the portrayal of characters and their environment.
“At the end of the day, the story is simple. It’s about family, survival, and dignity. So it was really about making sure everything from how the characters speak to how they make decisions felt honest. I wasn’t trying to sprinkle culture into the story. I just wanted the story to exist inside it naturally,” she added.
Mordi, who has writing credits on Behind The Scenes, said A Way Forward originated from her own idea before being shaped through collaboration with mentors and fellow participants in the lab.
She described the film as a story centred on women’s agency, focusing on a character who steps into a more active role within her family despite existing societal expectations.
“There’s tension and resistance at first, but eventually there’s a shift toward understanding and respect, with her husband learning to support her. I believe it’s very relevant to present-day Nigeria, where many women are taking on more active roles in supporting their families, not as a statement or defiance, but out of necessity,” she said.
Reflecting on the impact of the MTV Shuga Naija Short Innovation Lab, Mordi noted that the experience encouraged her to think beyond storytelling and consider the broader impact of her work.
According to her, the programme emphasised intentionality and collaboration, shaping her approach to telling stories that engage with social realities.
Mordi added that she hopes A Way Forward contributes to ongoing conversations about women’s independence, particularly in everyday contexts.
“For me, the bigger point is giving women the freedom to exist fully, pursuing their goals, contributing to their families if they want to, and being recognized for all of it. It’s not about conflict or confrontation; it’s about balance, choice, and defining success on their own terms,” she said.