Elemchi Nwosu screens I Am Igbo

A Compelling exploration of Igbo heritage and resilience unfolds in Elemchi Nwosu’s I Am Igbo, a short documentary produced with the BBC. Elemchi, a British of Igbo origin, delves into the lives of the Igbo diaspora around the world, this time in Wales, examining their efforts to preserve culture, navigate hybrid identities, and confront the lasting scars of the Nigerian Civil War.  

Released on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer in July 2024 and screened at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff in Wales, the documentary I Am Igbo reflects on the universal struggles of displaced communities. Through the lens of her personal history, Elemchi connects the experiences of Igbo families in emigration with the broader narrative of cultural survival and adaptation.  

Born and raised in the UK, Elemchi grew up with little discussion of the Civil War at home, though its impact loomed large. The war, which claimed over three million lives from 1967 to 1970, disrupted countless lives, leaving scars that have yet to heal. Her documentary delves into the aftermath of this tragedy, focusing on how migration shaped the Igbo diaspora across the globe.  

Elemchi’s parents, Felix and Rose Nwosu, fled Nigeria seeking stability and better opportunities. Their journey spanned Saudi Arabia and eventually the UK. Despite adapting to life abroad, they remained deeply connected to their Igbo heritage, instilling its values and traditions in their children.  

The film captures Felix’s poignant recollection of the war interrupting his education and forcing him into farming for survival. “Even though I didn’t carry a gun, the scars of the war remain,” he laments. Rose reflects on the period as one of profound uncertainty but credits its hardships for shaping her resilience and community spirit.  

In her quest to explore deeper connections, Elemchi interviewed other diaspora families whose stories echo the themes of resilience and cultural preservation. She visits Swansea, where Beatrice Nwobi, a 92-year-old Welshwoman, shares her experience embracing Igbo culture after marrying an Igbo man in the 1950s. Similar stories emerge from Igbo families in other parts of the world, where traditions have been kept alive despite the challenges of displacement.  

The documentary also highlights efforts by Igbo communities globally to pass their heritage to younger generations.

In Wales, for instance, Chuks Alioha runs an Igbo school, ensuring children learn the language and traditions without needing to return to Nigeria. Similar initiatives flourish across other diaspora hubs, as communities adapt to life abroad while safeguarding their cultural identity.  

Beyond a historical narrative, I Am Igbo showcases the enduring resilience of a people united by a shared history and cultural pride. Elemchi’s reflection that “the Igbo spirit is thriving, no matter where we are” captures the essence of her documentary.  

Her exploration of the diaspora’s journey extends into her professional life. Renowned for fostering trade and investment partnerships, Elemchi was named one of the ‘Top 60 Women in Development’ by Donors for Africa in 2022. Her work in bridging cultures and scaling enterprises mirrors the themes of survival and enterprise central to her documentary.

Elemchi’s academic achievements reflect her determination and resilience. A First-Class graduate in Diplomatic Studies from the University of Oxford, she not only defied the odds as a Black female student at one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious universities — where only 3.2 per cent of UK-domiciled Black students were admitted in 2019 — but also graduated at the top of her 2018/2019 cohort. Her thesis also earned a First Class Award and has been widely recognised for its insightful analysis of Nigerian diplomacy.

By combining personal excellence with a profound cultural narrative, I Am Igbo transcends borders, offering a poignant reminder of the power of cultural identity in the face of adversity, as well as highlighting enduring Igbo excellence.