I AM MORE DANGEROUS DEAD

DIRECTOR’S BIOGRAPHY – MAJIYE UCHIBEKE

Majiye Uchibeke is a talented and visionary Los Angeles-based filmmaker hailing from Nigeria. Born and raised in a culturally rich environment, Uchibeke developed a deep appreciation for storytelling from an early age. Fascinated by the power of film as a medium for social change and cultural exploration, he embarked on a journey to pursue his passion for filmmaking.

Uchibeke’s pursuit of his artistic aspirations led him to the prestigious University of Southern California (USC) Film School, where he honed his skills and expanded his creative horizons. Immersed in an environment that fostered innovation and collaboration, Uchibeke thrived, pushing the boundaries of his craft and embracing diverse storytelling techniques.

His education at USC Film School provided Uchibeke with a solid foundation in the technical aspects of filmmaking. He gained proficiency in various aspects of the filmmaking process, including directing, cinematography, editing, and sound design. Uchibeke’s background as a Nigerian filmmaker brings a unique perspective to his work. He draws inspiration from the vibrant cultures, rich traditions, and pressing social issues of his homeland. With a deep understanding of the complexities and nuances of Nigerian society, Uchibeke aims to shed light on underrepresented narratives and challenge prevailing stereotypes through his films.

Driven by a desire to make a positive impact through his work, Uchibeke is committed to creating thought-provoking and emotionally resonant stories that engage audiences on a profound level. His films explore themes of identity, social justice, and cultural heritage, aiming to foster empathy, inspire dialogue, and effect change.

DIRECTOR STATEMENT

As a Nigerian filmmaker, the story of “I Am More Dangerous Dead” holds a deeply personal meaning for me. In the heart of the Niger Delta, a region of the country abundant in natural resources, Ken Saro-Wiwa witnessed the relentless devastation by multinational oil corporations, chief among them, Shell. The Niger Delta, where I am from as well, was once a lush and vibrant ecosystem, but became a battleground where the forces of corporate greed by ravaging oil companies destroyed the land. It was against this backdrop of environmental degradation and social injustice that I discovered the power of storytelling and the ability of cinema to inspire change.

After moving to the U.S. for college, I noticed that there are Shell gas stations everywhere. But the issue I noticed was, people do not know where the gas they buy comes from, or what effect it has had on the people who live in the places it is being exploited from. In the making of this film, we did multiple man-on-the-street interviews at Shell gas stations and people definitely did not know the story of Ken Saro-Wiwa, whose fight against Shell’s environmental damage led to his execution alongside 8 other activists, therefore solidifying in my mind that I had to tell the story of a grave injustice that happened in our homeland that still happens today.

The story of Ken Saro-Wiwa, serves as a reminder that the struggle of the Niger Delta people of Nigeria, is not an isolated incident but is part of a global crisis that affects us all. “I Am More Dangerous Dead” is not simply a historical account; it is a poetic exploration of Ken Saro-Wiwa’s spirit and the indomitable resilience of our people. Through this film, I aim to honor Saro-Wiwa’s legacy, amplify the voices of the marginalized and bring awareness to this ongoing struggle for environmental justice. Therefore, it is with a sense of duty that I share this film with you.

www.majiyeuchibeke.com

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