Through powerful storytelling, she brings hidden narratives to light, demanding attention and inspiring change.
Amarachi Nwosu is a fearless storyteller who blends creativity, advocacy, and purpose. A self-taught filmmaker, artist, writer, and producer, she’s on a mission to challenge stereotypes and amplify underrepresented voices. Through Melanin Unscripted, a platform she founded, she is blurring cultural lines, and redefining narratives for audiences worldwide.
Her latest film, “Perfect Woman“, delivers a powerful message on cervical cancer awareness, human connection, and the fight for equitable healthcare. This is especially relevant in Nigeria, where a 2023 report from the HPV information centre revealed that 12,075 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually. Also, 7,968 lost their lives to the disease. As the second most common cancer among Nigerian women, its prevalence underscores the need for awareness and action. “Perfect Woman” captures the deeply personal and universally relevant ways this disease affects women from all walks of life.
In this week’s #MCNWorkLife, we explore Nwosu’s career — rooted in faith and passion — and the personal experiences that shape her vision and fuel her storytelling.
If your friends were to describe you, what would they say?
“Bold, creative, and a people’s champ” — funny enough, someone just called me that the other day. I love it because it’s exactly how my late mentor, Chi Modu, described himself. It’s always interesting to see how others perceive you. I’ve always believed in showing up for people and speaking up when others won’t.
We all had a few dream jobs growing up. What was yours, and how does that translate to your current role?
Like most Nigerian parents, mine wanted me to consider becoming a doctor at some point. I remember my mum buying me a little doctor kit with a baby doll, and I thought, “This is cute”. But my heart was never in it. Still, I loved the idea of taking care of people.
By the time I was 10, I had started writing poetry and could actually see myself as a writer. I was obsessed with novels, world-building, and the magic of stepping into new universes through storytelling. Later, in high school, I even considered becoming a lobbyist, which led me to study political science when I first got to college. Eventually, I transitioned to communications — but always with the same goal: to advocate for change.
I’ve always been drawn to photography and visual storytelling. In high school, I started documenting moments. By college, I was already creating short films and documentaries about the creatives who inspired me.
As someone of faith, I believe God has a divine plan, and that path led me to merge writing, storytelling, and filmmaking — bringing those worlds to life. Film, at its core, is about collaboration, working with people from start to finish. That ties back to the idea of being a people’s champ, which is how all these passions naturally came together.
How did your creative interests lead to the birth of Melanin Unscripted?
Frustration — that’s what fueled me! I was tired of seeing one-dimensional narratives about Black people and people of colour. In college, I was surrounded by incredible, diverse stories, yet what I saw on TV and Tumblr didn’t reflect that reality. Not every Black woman fits the archetype shown on reality TV shows like “Love and Hip Hop”.
So, I set out to change the narrative. I wanted to share unscripted, authentic stories that resonate with a new generation craving real connection. To do that, I committed to mastering every aspect of film — from shooting and editing to distribution. I made it my mission to document these stories with intention, creating short films and documentaries about my friends and the creatives who inspired me — people from all walks of life whose stories deserved to be told. This led to my first documentary, “Black In Tokyo”, which spotlights the black experience living in Tokyo, Japan. Later on, I put out my debut feature film, “The Ones Who Keep Walking.” The film tells the story of 20+ creatives across 14 countries on the continent of Africa and its diaspora.
Melanin Unscripted was born from a vision — to challenge stereotypes, amplify real stories, and create content that resonates across borders. What started as a media platform has grown beyond anything I imagined, evolving into an agency that collaborates with brands and artists.
Over time, we’ve expanded our focus from fashion to music, photography, and film, and even into philanthropy, social impact, and entrepreneurship. Storytelling has been the common thread weaving these worlds together, leading us to launch Rise in Light, an impact platform that helped raise funds for COVID-19 relief in Nigeria.
We also introduced our first grant, the Storytellers for Change Film Grant, in partnership with Global Oncology, UN Global Goals, Document Women, Family Inc., and LL&B. This grant empowered storyteller Miracle Blaise to create “Perfect Woman”, a film shedding light on a critical issue affecting their community. It’s proof that storytelling isn’t limited to one space — it has the power to drive change across industries and communities.
Let’s talk about your latest “Perfect Woman”. Why was it important for you to tell this story?
Cancer has deeply impacted many families, including my own. My mum is a breast cancer survivor, and I lost my mentor to the disease. I also have other family members who have faced it, so I know this illness all too well. My mum’s experience, in particular, taught me that cancer can be preventable. She developed breast cancer not because it was genetic, but because we grew up in Port Harcourt, surrounded by numerous oil rigs.
When Global Oncology reached out to me, I learned that most cases of cancer, especially cervical cancer, are non-genetic — up to 99%. Having lived much of my life abroad, I had access to the HPV vaccine, whereas many in Nigeria only recently gained access to it. This delay in access has contributed to years of preventable cervical cancer cases.
Many people mistakenly believe that cervical cancer only affects older women, which is far from the truth. I wanted to create a film that not only raised awareness but also addressed this stigma. My frustration with cancer — and how it’s increasingly affecting people — drove me to tell this story.
Cancer is becoming more common among younger people, and storytelling is a powerful tool to spread the message that cervical cancer is preventable. It’s also a way to connect with others on a human level because everyone has a story or knows someone who has battled cancer. Cancer wasn’t always as prevalent in our communities, and I believe it’s tied to changes in what we consume and the environment we live in now.
As the co-writer and executive producer, how did you ensure that the film represented the lived experience of women dealing with cervical cancer? What do you hope people will take away from this project?
Our film tells the story of two women from different economic backgrounds, both battling cervical cancer. To ensure authenticity, we spoke with women who had personally experienced the disease. We also spoke to doctors who had treated it and families who had lost loved ones. The involvement of a supportive community was essential to capturing the truth of this experience.
Collaborating with Miracle, who co-wrote, directed, and produced the film, was crucial. His passion for portraying the humanity of the characters — especially as a young man telling a story about women — was evident throughout the process. His compassion shone through, ensuring that we always remained mindful of the depth and authenticity of the women’s stories.
The film aims to motivate women to support each other by highlighting what they go through when they receive this diagnosis. We also want to remind them that a diagnosis is not a death sentence, but a challenge that can be fought. Additionally, the film emphasizes the importance of prevention, early testing for cervical cancer, and getting the HPV vaccine. One key moment in the film shows a young girl receiving the vaccine — something her mother never had access to. The hope is to inspire the next generation to approach this disease differently and with more resources than their parents had.
This film is also dedicated to the late Abimbola Ogunbanjo, OFR, a tireless advocate for cervical cancer awareness in Nigeria. He played a pivotal role in supporting our work, and we felt it was important to honour his legacy. By doing so, we also aim to show that men should be a part of this conversation, as their advocacy is just as crucial in the fight against cervical cancer.
Now that “Perfect Woman” is out, what other stories and creative pursuits are you exploring next?
This project has taught me so much about the world of storytelling, and it’s made me eager to do more. I’ve got a few scripts I’m working on, and beyond filmmaking, I’m excited to delve deeper into writing.
There’s a scripture that reminds me not to lean on my own understanding, which pushes me to step beyond the boundaries I’ve created for myself. I truly believe it’s important to explore our depths, and that’s something I’m committed to doing more of this year.
As a multifaceted individual with many interests, who has inspired you the most on your creative journey, and what lessons have you learned from them?
I have to start with God because He is the Creator of the universe, and we are all His creations. It’s about honouring the gardener, not just the seed.
One writer who has deeply inspired me is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. She writes so poetically and speaks so eloquently. When I first read “Americanah” while living in Tokyo, Japan, I connected with the character in such a personal way. It’s a favourite book for one of my good friends from Hong Kong, and it reminded me of the beauty of humanity and how stories can transcend identities.
Ava DuVernay has also been a huge influence. I admire how she’s approached unscripted content in ways I hadn’t seen before and pivoted into narrative filmmaking with such skill and vision.
From all indications, you have a busy schedule. What is a typical day in your life like?
Every day is different, and that’s the beauty of being creative. I typically begin my day with prayer and getting into the Word because the Lord is my shepherd — He guides me, as I don’t have the strength to do it alone. The Bible and scriptures are a constant source of wisdom, showing me that there are people who’ve navigated experiences I can learn from and be guided through. I also try not to pick up my phone first thing in the morning, though I don’t always win that battle. There are emails, texts, and tasks waiting, but I make sure to carve out time for writing. Writing is a big part of what I enjoy, whether it’s journaling, scripting, or even working on my book.
I also schedule time for meetings, sometimes in person, and I make it a point to step outside. I can be a homebody, especially while working from home, but I try to get some fresh air. My day also includes research and creative development, striking a balance between creation and consumption.
When I’m in production, my days can stretch from 12 to 16 hours on set. The experience is a blend of creative flow — intimate and personal — as well as collaborating with my team at Melanin Unscripted. I still find time for personal care, whether it’s cooking, exercising, or just taking a moment for myself.
As someone who does a lot, what tips do you swear by for handling stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
If you’d asked me that seven years ago, my answer would be completely different. Now, I manage stress by leaning on my faith, journaling, and spending time with loved ones. Having the support of my partner, friends, and family is invaluable. Exercise is also a huge help.
It’s also crucial for me to maintain my identity outside of work — work is only one part of who I am. This might be a bit controversial, but I don’t believe in a perfect work-life balance. There will always be seasons where one demands more attention than the other. The key is recognising and honouring the different seasons and adjusting your priorities as needed.
What’s your advice for young creatives?
The most important tool a creative person needs is audacity, more than talent. Forget about the audacity of others — focus on the audacity of God. Due to historical narratives, many African creatives might find themselves comparing their work to European counterparts, but audacity comes from within, from God, not from external comparisons.
I know so many talented people who never release their work because they’re afraid to step out of their comfort zones. We stay in those zones, and that’s where we remain. As creatives, the best advice I can give is to believe in yourself enough to share your art and lean on your community for support. Creativity thrives on connection, so surround yourself with bold individuals who can inspire and ignite your own creative fire.
What’s something you want to be known for?
I want people to see God’s power through my work — to understand that He can use anyone, regardless of their background, and that God is capable of doing immeasurably more than we can ever imagine.
At the end of the day, my legacy isn’t solely mine to shape; it’s in the hands of the Creator. I hope that people will see my life as a testament that if He can do this in my life, He can certainly do even greater things in theirs.
