The film I Am What I Amis based on the traditional Chinese folk art lion dance. The story unfolds as a left-behind youth named Juan in the countryside of Guangzhou, South China's Guangdong province, meets a girl by the same name. Inspired by his new friend, Juan decides to gather a lion dance team with his friends and participates in a competition under the guidance of a retired lion dance performer, who was one of the best of his time. While preparing for the competition, Juan conquers many hardships of life and matures both physically and mentally becoming a "lion" himself. Determination and perseverance are featured throughout the film. In the words of the performers themselves: "As long as the drums can be heard in our hearts, we are Lions! We will always be Lions!"