Nigerian filmmaker and screenwriter Priye Diri has been selected as one of 20 participants from 12 countries to participate in the prestigious 10th edition of the Global Media Makers LA Residency. Organized by Film Independent and backed by the U.S. Department of State, this program fosters connections between international filmmakers and the American entertainment industry. Its mission is to build a multi-regional network that supports creative economic development and freedom of expression through global storytelling.
Diri’s achievement marks a significant milestone for Nigerian cinema. She is the first filmmaker from the country to win a spot in the residency program. For five weeks, Diri and her fellow residents will delve into intensive filmmaking tracks. These include screenwriting, directing, creative development, and documentary filmmaking. Cultural engagement sessions, masterclasses, and industry meetings will further enrich the experience, all while participants refine their ongoing projects.
Diri’s project, titled “Baby Girl,” explores the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship and a woman’s journey of self-discovery. Facing stiff competition – over 650 applications were received – Diri’s selection speaks volumes about her talent and the captivating story she aims to tell.
The residency brings together filmmakers from Bangladesh, India, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. This diverse group is poised to forge lasting collaborations and relationships with experienced mentors in the American film industry and each other. This collaborative spirit embodies the program’s core objective: fostering a vibrant international community dedicated to independent filmmaking.
Her writing credits include the currently streaming ‘Kill Boro’ which debuted at No. 2 on Amazon Prime in May and Directorial Credits include Rule No1 on Showmax, Chimera on Iroko TV and her short film currently in Post Production titled Dying Is Hard To Do which stars Paul Nnadieke, Imoh Eboh, Dorothy Njemanze, and Chuks Joseph and written by Nengi Diri.
