

Arie and Chuko Esiri were born in Warri, Nigeria, 30 minutes apart, and grew up in Lagos. Creative partners, they share a deep passion for storytelling. Both studied screenwriting and directing in New York City: Arie at Columbia University and Chuko at New York University. Their debut feature, “This Is My Desire” (2020), which they wrote, directed, and produced, premiered at the Berlinale and won the Jury Prize for Best Feature Film at the 44th Mostra. “Clarissa” is their second feature film.