AFI BLOG: Media and Technology

Variety

21-year-old receives $5 million to direct feature

Nuru Rimington-Mkali is ready for his closeup. The 21-year-old Londoner has been crowned the winner of the yearlong film contest sponsored by Web-based production shingle Filmaka.
As his prize, Rimington-Mkali will receive funding of about $5 million for a feature film he will direct. He’s prepping to pitch a handful of ideas to Filmaka partners Deepak Nayar, producer of such indie pics as “Bend It Like Beckham” and “Buena Vista Social Club,” and former Fox TV Entertainment Group chief Sandy Grushow.

Rimington-Mkali has signed with WMA for representation; the agency reps Filmaka in its various production ventures. Filmaka also has a management division that has tapped Rimington-Mkali as a client.

Filmaka contest challenged non-pros to take on a monthly series of assignments to produce short films based on a thumbnail idea posted on the website. Judges of the competish included actors and helmers Colin Firth, Werner Herzog, Neil LaBute, John Madden, Zak Penn, Paul Schrader, Bill Pullman and Wim Wenders.

More…