Synopsis
What’s in a Name combines hand-painted animation, thousands of intricately crafted frames, and archival footage to explore themes of identity, memory, erasure, and the lingering effects of colonization on the Igbo people of Nigeria.
Told through the perspective of narrator Lotanna, the film examines how patriarchal norms rooted in cultural traditions and the lasting influence of British colonization have contributed to the quiet erasure of women from family records and historical memory. As Lotanna reflects on the meaning and legacy of her own name, she unearths the stories of the powerful women in her lineage.
Experimenting with oral storytelling and visual artistry, What’s in a Name becomes a cinematic act of remembrance and resistance.
Told through the perspective of narrator Lotanna, the film examines how patriarchal norms rooted in cultural traditions and the lasting influence of British colonization have contributed to the quiet erasure of women from family records and historical memory. As Lotanna reflects on the meaning and legacy of her own name, she unearths the stories of the powerful women in her lineage.
Experimenting with oral storytelling and visual artistry, What’s in a Name becomes a cinematic act of remembrance and resistance.
About
Lotanna is a filmmaker, animator and journalist with a keen interest in history and diverse cultures. She leverages the mediums of animation to craft engaging nonfiction stories while offering invaluable cultural, historical, and political insights relevant to our contemporary world.