Priye Diri, a Nigerian filmmaker and advocate, has been chosen to participate in the esteemed 2024 Global Media Makers Residency in Los Angeles. This prestigious program, organized by Film Independent is supported by the U.S. Department of State, and it aims to foster international collaboration and cultural exchange among filmmakers.

The residency is now in its 10th edition and is designed to support international filmmakers by providing them with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop their ongoing projects.

Diri’s project for the residency, titled Baby Girl, delves into the complexities of a mother-daughter relationship and a woman’s journey of self-discovery. Over the five-week program, she will engage in intensive filmmaking tracks covering screenwriting, directing, creative development, and documentary production.

The residency also includes cultural engagement sessions, masterclasses, and industry meetings, providing participants with invaluable opportunities to refine their projects and build lasting connections within the American film industry.

Diri’s journey in filmmaking began with her debut short film, Lost Love (2015), which explores the emotional aftermath of losing a loved one. She continued to develop her craft through volunteer work on various film sets and by creating impactful works such as Behind The Mirror (2017), which addresses domestic violence.

Her talent was further recognized when she won the Accelerate TV Filmmaker Contest with her silent short film XOXO (2017), earning her a scholarship to film school and recognition at the African International Film Festival.

In addition to her filmmaking achievements, Diri is a dedicated advocate for gender justice and democracy in Nigeria. Her impressive body of work includes writing credits for the Amazon Prime film, “Kill Boro” and directorial credits for “Rule No1” on Showmax, “Chimera” on Iroko TV, and the upcoming short film “Dying Is Hard To Do.”

Priye Diri’s participation in the Global Media Makers Residency marks a significant milestone for Nigerian cinema, and her compelling stories are poised to make a lasting impact.

Priye Diri’s selection is a significant achievement, as she is the first Nigerian filmmaker to be accepted into the program, which saw over 650 applicants from around the globe. She joins 19 other filmmakers from 12 countries, including Bangladesh, India, Mexico, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe.