June 17, (THEWILL)- Priye Diri, a Nigerian filmmaker, has been selected for the 2024 Global Media Makers Residency. The Global Media Makers Residency is a US government-backed programme designed to support international filmmakers by providing them with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop their ongoing projects. This residency, organised by the non-profit Film Independent, aims to foster collaboration and culture exchange among filmmakers.
Participants typically have access to industry professionals in the US, workshops, and funding to develop and produce their projects. The residency often culminates in a showcase or presentation of the work created during the programme. Diri is the only Nigerian selected to participate in the 2024 run of the residency for which over 650 applications were received. She is also the first filmmaker from Nigeria to be selected for the programme.
Diri is one of 20 filmmakers from 12 countries participating in the prestigious residency now in its 10th edition. The residency also brings together filmmakers from Bangladesh, India, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia. Uganda, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. For five weeks, Diri and her fellow residents are expected to delve into intensive filmmaking tracks. It includes screenwriting, directing, creative development, and documentary production. On the itinerary are cultural engagement sessions, masterclasses, and industry meetings.
Diri’s entry for the residency is titled ‘Baby Girl’. The storytelling project will explore the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship and a woman’s journey of self-discovery. Diri’s writing credits include the currently streaming ‘Kill Boro’ which debuted at No. 2 on Amazon Prime in May 2024. Her directorial credits include ‘Rule No1’ on Showmax and ‘Chimera’ on Iroko TV. Diri’s short film is currently in post-production titled ‘Dying Is Hard To Do’. It stars Paul Nnadieke, Imoh Eboh, Dorothy Njemanze, and Chuks Joseph with writing credits going to Nengi Diri.
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