The Story ⚡
Filmmaker Priye Diri is workshopping her feature Film Baby Girl at the 2024 Global Media Makers Fellowship.
Tell Me More
The Global Media Makers fellowship is a partnership between the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and Film Independent (A non-profit organization that supports artists who embody diversity, innovation and uniqueness of vision).
GMM aims to foster a productive relationship between American Filmmakers and the rest of the World.
The program was incepted in 2016; starting operations in the Arab world and Turkey. It broadened its scope in 2019 to include Southeast Asia, and in 2022 extended its collaborations to include Burkina Faso, Nigeria and South Africa.
GMM offers Filmmakers an avenue for intensive filmmaking sessions, industry sessions, workshops, one-on-one meetings with US industry professionals and networking opportunities. Priye Diri’s first independent feature film as Writer and Director, Baby Girl has been accepted into the directing track section of this prestigious fellowship.
Meet Priye Diri
Priye Diri is a Young Filmmaker who is passionate and vocal about telling compelling and intimate stories that disrupt and challenge conventional images of women’s lives.
She is a champion against Sexual And Gender Based Violence, participating in various efforts to curb the menace.
She is the Writer Of the 2024 Prime Video release “Kill Boro”. Kill Boro tells the gripping tale of a young boy burdened by his father, Boro’s relentless brutality against him and his mother.
We had a quick conversation with Priye Diri about the Global Media Makers Fellowship
How Is This Fellowship Important To You As A Filmmaker
I have been an ardent follower of Film Independent and wanted to be a fellow since I saw Ava Duvernay’s 2013 Film Independent Forum Talk, this fellowship is coming at a pivotal time in my career and is a game-changer for me as it is Validation for my work and an opportunity to learn from the best in Independent film in Hollywood.
What Are Your Goals During This Program?
My goal here is to develop my feature film, Baby Girl, which is in its second draft with guidance from industry experts while networking and building relationships with like-minded filmmakers and industry professionals while learning about the US Film industry and exploring potential collaborations and co-productions for Baby Girl and future projects.
What Happens Next After The End Of The Program
As a Film Independent fellow, I have lifelong access to invaluable resources and support. My goal during this program is to leverage these resources to secure funding and build momentum for my feature film, Baby Girl. With production slated for late 2025. The next step is more residencies to develop and make this film. I also plan to pay it forward by mentoring and supporting other emerging filmmakers, especially those from underrepresented communities
In Summary
African Filmmakers continue to put in the work and receive Global Opportunities.
The Global Media Makers offers an exciting opportunity for filmmakers to workshop their projects in a standardized environment. Next Up for Priye, is building upon her success as a Film Independent Fellow and further development of her craft.
