Nigerian director Priye Diri has been selected among 20 filmmakers from 12 countries to participate in the 2024 10th edition of the Global Media Makers LA Residency, organized by Film Independent and supported by the U.S. Department of State.
This marks the first time a Nigerian filmmaker has been chosen for this program. Diri was selected for her film “Baby Girl,” which explores a girl’s personal development amidst a complicated relationship with her mother.
The five-week program, concluding on June 30, 2024, fosters a community where international filmmakers can exchange ideas with members of the American entertainment industry, promoting global collaboration in independent filmmaking.
Participants will attend master classes on writing, directing, and documentaries, focusing on script development, and will also engage in industry sessions to network with established professionals.
This year’s residency includes filmmakers from Bangladesh, India, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Uganda, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe.
María Raquel Bozzi, Senior Director of Education and International Programs at Film Independent, highlighted the program’s success in building a global community of over 180 filmmakers, forming alliances with regional festivals and media arts organizations, and fostering lasting relationships among participants and American mentors.
