Arie Esiri is a Nigerian-born filmmaker known for his contributions to independent cinema, especially through collaborations with his twin brother Chuko Esiri on films that capture everyday life in modern Nigeria.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Arie Esiri |
| Date of Birth | 1985 |
| Place of Birth | Warri, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Delta State (Warri) |
| Siblings | Twin brother Chuko Esiri |
| Partner | N/A |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | Filmmaker, Cinematographer |
| Net Worth | $1-5 million |
Early Life and Education
Born in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria, about 30 minutes before his twin brother Chuko, Arie grew up in Lagos under a strict household where their mother limited distractions to prioritize studies.
He first studied in England, then pursued an MFA in cinematography at Columbia University School of the Arts in 2019. Before film school, he gained experience in photography in Paris and worked on camera crews for brands like Audi, Vivienne Westwood, and the BBC.
Career
Arie’s professional path centers on cinematography-driven directing, starting with short films like Besida (which premiered at the 68th Berlinale) and Goose (shown at LA Film Festival), both made with Chuko during their studies.
Their first feature, Eyimofe (This Is My Desire), debuted at the 2020 Berlin Film Festival, earning acclaim for its 16mm footage of Lagos’s energy. He recently co-directed Clarissa, an adaptation of Mrs. Dalloway set for Neon distribution.
Personal Life
Arie maintains a tight creative bond with his twin brother Chuko, who studied at NYU Tisch School of the Arts. Public information on a partner, children, or additional siblings remains private.
Net Worth
Arie Esiri’s net worth is estimated at $1-5 million, reflecting earnings from independent films, festival circuits, and cinematography projects as of early 2026.
Filmography
Key projects include:
- Besida (2018, short, co-directed with Chuko)
- Goose (2017, short, co-directed with Chuko)
- Eyimofe (This Is My Desire) (2020, feature, co-directed and cinematography)
- Clarissa (upcoming, co-directed, Neon distribution)
Awards and Recognitions
Specific awards for Arie are not widely listed, but Eyimofe gained strong critical notice with Berlin screenings and praise as a striking neorealist work from outlets like Chicago’s Siskel Film Center; his shorts also featured at top festivals such as Berlinale and LAFF.
