Darryl Wharton-Rigby, a renowned and accomplished individual, boasts an impressive array of professional personas, seamlessly oscillating between the roles of Advisor, Screenwriter, Director, and professor, each one a testament to his multifaceted expertise and versatility.
Born into a family of celebrated poets and storytellers, Wharton-Rigby has been immersed in the rich tapestry of narrative craft from a tender age, surrounded by the literary and artistic endeavors of his illustrious forbears.
As a result, Wharton-Rigby's early life was infused with the magic of words, stories, and imaginative expression, laying the foundation for his future endeavors as a masterful weaver of tales and a skilled practitioner of the narrative arts.
Wharton-Rigby's academic trajectory is marked by a notable milestone, as he has successfully obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from the renowned Chapman University, a prestigious institution that has played a pivotal role in shaping his professional trajectory.
This esteemed academic achievement has served as a springboard for his illustrious career, providing him with a platform to share his extensive knowledge and expertise with aspiring filmmakers, who have had the privilege of learning from him as a professor at Morgan State University's esteemed Screenwriting and Animation Program.
Notably, Wharton-Rigby's impressive resume extends far beyond his academic credentials, as he has also received a multitude of prestigious awards and grants from renowned institutions within the industry.
Among his numerous accolades, Wharton-Rigby has been recognized by the Urbanworld Film Festival, a respected platform celebrating innovative and diverse storytelling. Additionally, he has been honored by the Maryland State Arts Council, a leading organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the arts in the state. The Painted Bride Arts Center, a renowned cultural institution, has also recognized Wharton-Rigby's exceptional work. Furthermore, he has been inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, a prestigious organization honoring the achievements of African American filmmakers.
Wharton-Rigby's remarkable and extensive professional portfolio has been prominently featured across a diverse range of prestigious and internationally recognized platforms, spanning the United States, the esteemed nation of France, and the culturally rich and vibrant country of Australia.
One of the most significant and notable achievements in his impressive cinematic repertoire is the feature film Detention, which has received widespread critical acclaim and garnered a multitude of prestigious awards and accolades.
Among the numerous honors bestowed upon him for his outstanding direction is the coveted "Best Director" prize, which he was proudly presented with at the esteemed Urbanworld Film Festival, a premier event that celebrates the best in independent filmmaking.
Furthermore, Detention also captured the "Audience Award" at the prestigious Atlanta Film and Video Festival, a testament to its enduring popularity and artistic merit. This impressive achievement is a testament to the film's ability to resonate with audiences and critics alike, and solidifies its place as a standout in the world of independent cinema.
Wharton-Rigby's multifaceted professional odyssey has transcended the confines of a solitary creative pursuit, as he has concurrently explored the realm of television writing, thereby fostering a rich tapestry of diverse experiences.
In this capacity, he has collaborated on the critically acclaimed television series Homicide: Life On The Street, a venture that has not only honed his writing skills but also provided a platform for him to hone his craft.
This experience has, in turn, led to a new and exciting opportunity, as he was commissioned by MTV to adapt the Japanese manga Tokyo Tribe 2 into a script, thereby further expanding his repertoire as a writer and storyteller.
The subject of this biography is currently immersed in the creative process of crafting a documentary film, with the project's title being "Don Doko Don: The Yamakiya Taiko Club Story". This cinematic endeavour revolves around the captivating narrative of a group of youthful drummers who have been forced to relocate due to the dire circumstances brought about by the catastrophic failure of a nuclear power plant, resulting in a poignant exploration of the human spirit and its capacity to persevere in the face of adversity.
Wharton-Rigby, a dynamic and multifaceted individual, has cultivated a unique lifestyle by splitting his time among three distinct locations: Baltimore, Los Angeles, and Japan, each a cultural hub that has undoubtedly influenced his perspective and worldview.
It is his loving and supportive wife who serves as his rock, providing a constant source of encouragement and motivation, while his three children, with their innocence and insatiable curiosity, evoke a sense of wonder and awe, inspiring him with their pure and unbridled enthusiasm.
In turn, it is these individuals who serve as his ultimate muse, providing the inspiration that fuels his endeavors and drives him to pursue his passions with unwavering dedication and commitment.
