A documentary by Pelindah Umutoni
Examining the lived experiences of African immigrant creatives building creative careers in Canada. In this film, I interrogate expectation versus reality, systemic barriers, racism, belonging, and resilience, while highlighting sustainable pathways within creative industries.
This project is deeply intentional. It does not romanticize the immigrant journey, nor does it reduce it to struggle alone. It holds complexity. It asks difficult questions. It documents the truth.
After i arrived
- Film Created by: Pelindah Umutoni.
- Directed by: Pelindah Umutoni.
- Executive Producers: Pelindah Umutoni and Aidan Nassuna.
- Produced by: Aidan Nassuna & Pelindah Umutoni. (Voices of Our Roots Productions)
- DOP by: Isaac Osaze.
- Edited by: Edwin Janzen.
- Funded by: CEE Centre for Young Black Professionals.
Tag line: From zero to…? The untold story of African creatives abroad
Log line: Three Ugandan creatives arrive in Canada chasing their dreams, only to face a world built to exclude them. Taking turns in the Chair of Truth, they reveal the struggles, resilience, and choices behind pursuing creativity as African immigrants. Will they make it, or will the dream slip away?
Synopsis: After I Arrived follows three Ugandan creatives as they chase their dreams in Canada, the so-called land of opportunity. A singer-songwriter turned filmmaker, a multitalented performer, and a creative director take turns in the Chair of Truth, sharing the unfiltered realities of being Black and African in Western creative spaces.
What seems like a fresh start quickly reveals a world built on barriers, where talent alone isn’t enough, and survival often comes before ambition. This documentary explores the true cost of pursuing creativity as an African immigrant: the challenges, the resilience, and the choices between giving up or breaking through. Will they make it, or will the dream remain out of reach?
Cast
Charlse Mark Mugaga
Gloria Gift Nankunda
Pelindah Umutoni
