In a heartfelt revelation that has struck a chord with many aspiring creatives, Nigerian writer and filmmaker Chidi Ugwu has shared how a rejection from global streaming giant Netflix almost pushed him to quit his craft. Speaking during a recent media chat in Lagos, Ugwu recounted the emotional and professional toll of the experience, describing it as one of the lowest points in his career.

“I won’t lie, it almost broke me,” he admitted. “When you put your heart, your mind, your soul into a project, and you get that one opportunity to pitch to a platform like Netflix, you start seeing your dreams taking shape. So when the response came back negative, I felt like everything I had worked for was pointless.”

Ugwu, known in local creative circles for his thought-provoking storytelling and grassroots film productions, had submitted an original drama series concept to Netflix in late 2022. According to him, the idea was rooted in African tradition, modern politics, and the complexities of identity—a concept he believed would resonate globally.

The rejection didn’t come with detailed feedback, a fact Ugwu says was even more crushing. “It was just a short email. No real critique, just a ‘not at this time.’ I kept rereading it, wondering what I did wrong,” he said.

For weeks after the rejection, Ugwu said he battled intense self-doubt and considered abandoning filmmaking altogether. “I would wake up every day and feel like I wasn’t good enough. I questioned my style, my approach, even my worth. I couldn’t write. I couldn’t even watch films. I was angry, sad, and completely demoralized.”

But in the darkness, he began to find light through the support of close friends and mentors in the industry who reminded him of his talent and vision. He was particularly moved by a fellow filmmaker who told him, “Rejection is not the end. It’s a redirection.”

“Those words stuck with me,” Ugwu shared. “I started to look at the rejection differently—not as a failure, but as a sign that maybe I needed to refine my voice more, or that a better opportunity was around the corner.”

Taking that advice to heart, Ugwu returned to the drawing board. He revisited his script, trimmed and reworked scenes, and started filming with his own limited resources. With a small crew of equally passionate creatives, he began production on the series independently.

“That process helped me rediscover my love for storytelling,” he said. “There were days we didn’t even have enough money for basic things, but the energy on set, the belief in the story—we knew we were building something beautiful.”

Ugwu’s perseverance eventually paid off. The completed series, titled The Path We Choose, is currently in talks with another international platform, and interest has also been expressed by several African broadcasters.

More importantly, Ugwu says the experience taught him invaluable lessons about resilience and the nature of the industry.

“I realized that rejection is not a verdict on your talent,” he said. “Sometimes it’s just timing. Sometimes it’s strategy. And sometimes, it’s just not the right platform for your story. But that doesn’t mean the story isn’t worth telling.”

He also used the moment to speak directly to young creators, urging them not to let one “no” define their journey.

“It’s so easy to give up after a rejection like that. Especially when you’ve invested everything—time, money, emotion. But trust me, you’re not alone. Even the biggest names in this industry have faced rejection. What matters is what you do next.”

Ugwu’s story has resonated across social media, where many have praised his honesty and courage in speaking out about his struggles.

As for what’s next, the filmmaker says he’s working on a new script and has plans to start a mentorship initiative for young Nigerian storytellers who feel sidelined or discouraged.

“I want them to know that there’s no shame in failing,” he said. “Rejection hurts, yes. But it can also be the fuel that drives you to something even greater.”

With a revived sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of his journey, Chidi Ugwu is proving that sometimes, the very thing that nearly breaks us becomes the reason we rise.