Who We Are
The International Writer’s Lab’s team reflects rich expertise. We trailblaze, connecting Africa’s top talent to international opportunities and orchestrating groundbreaking collaborations.
IWL’s screenwriting Fellows are guided and trained by an award-winning multihyphenate for international storytelling success.
Wilmot Allen | Co-Founder
Wilmot Allen is a diversified investor, entrepreneur, and business builder. He has worked with the finance and strategy team at ABC Entertainment (Walt Disney Company) and the film finance team at J.P. Morgan. He was a creative executive for documentaries and the Executive in Charge of Production for an award-winning late-night show with PBS at its Hollywood affiliate. Wilmot has also been a VC investor and M&A investment banker in the tech sector.
In founding VentureLift Africa (VLA), Wilmot engages the media and entertainment sectors, elevating brands, mobilizing resources, and creating value through diaspora collaborations.
Wilmot spearheads IWL's creative and strategic initiatives from Nairobi, enhancing storytelling capacity across Africa.
Amri Rigby | Cohort Manager (Ghana)
Amri Rigby is a gifted up-and-coming writer/director. His storytelling has garnered prominent accolades, including the renowned Sundance Ignite and Fulbright Fellowships. Notably, his filmmaking talent captured the attention of legendary German cinematic pioneer and multihyphenate, Werner Herzog. Herzog mentored Amri in directing his well-received documentary short.
Based in Los Angeles Amri oversees IWL's cohort experiences, ensuring an enriching journey for our screenwriting Fellows.
Matty Rich | Lab Instructor
Matty Rich is a trailblazer among Black filmmakers with his exceptional work in film, television, and video games. His directorial debut, STRAIGHT OUT OF BROOKLYN earned him prestigious accolades including: the Independent Spirit Award, NAACP Image Award, and The Producers Guild Award. Following this triumph, Matty brought the summer sensation and U.S. Black film classic, THE INKWELL, to the world. When the Directors Guild of America inducted Matty, this honor was presented by Hollywood legends Sidney Poitier and Bill Duke.
Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Matty serves as a guiding force for aspiring filmmakers. He lectures at the American Film Institute and advises talented storytellers in the Sundance Film Festival Co//AB program.
Matty Rich leads IWL's virtual cohort instruction, from Los Angeles sharing his vast expertise and nurturing the talent and projects of Africa’s emerging screenwriters.