Nigerian filmmaker and screenwriter Priye Diri has been selected as one of 20 participants for 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 selection marks a historic milestone as Diri becomes the first Nigerian to be included in the program, which aims to connect international filmmakers with the American entertainment industry. Selected from over 650 applications, Diri’s inclusion in the residency shows her exceptional talent and the compelling nature of her storytelling.
The residency, running for five weeks, will immerse Diri and her fellow participants in intensive filmmaking tracks, including screenwriting, directing, creative development, and documentary filmmaking. The program also includes cultural engagement sessions, masterclasses, and industry meetings, providing participants with comprehensive support as they refine their projects.
Diri’s project, titled “Baby Girl,” delves into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship and a woman’s journey of self-discovery.
The Global Media Makers Residency features a diverse group of filmmakers from Bangladesh, India, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. This international cohort is expected to foster lasting collaborations and relationships with experienced mentors in the American film industry, embodying the program’s core mission of building a global network dedicated to independent filmmaking.
Diri’s body of work includes writing credits for the currently streaming “Kill Boro,” which made its debut on Amazon Prime in May, and directorial credits for “Rule No1” on Showmax and “Chimera” on Iroko TV.
The Global Media Makers program not only supports creative economic development but also champions freedom of expression through global storytelling.