By: Claudia Redwood-Sawyerr
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, has held high-level engagements with leaders of Sierra Leone’s film industry, as discussions intensify around the implementation of the country’s first-ever National Film Policy.
The meetings, which brought together key stakeholders from the Sierra Leone Film Council and the Sierra Leone Film Guild, focused on charting a clear and collaborative path for operationalising the new policy. During the engagement, Minister Bah was also formally honoured by industry leaders in recognition of his role in successfully steering the long-awaited Film Policy to completion.
President of the Sierra Leone Film Council, Aiah Momoh, commended the minister’s commitment, describing the development as a landmark achievement for the sector.
“We appreciate the dedication and determination you have shown,” Momoh said. “For more than fifteen years, we have struggled to have a national film policy. Achieving this now is a major milestone for the industry.”
Representatives of the Sierra Leone Film Guild used the meeting to present their strategic plan for the growth and professionalisation of the sector. Both film bodies also sought clarification on the procedures for establishing the Sierra Leone Movie Makers Association, as provided for under the new policy framework.
In his response, Minister Bah called for unity within the industry, warning that internal divisions could undermine emerging investment opportunities.
“We are currently in multiple conversations around investment and opportunities for our film industry,” he said. “But division within the sector will not attract investors. Unity is essential if we are to grow this industry.”
The minister assured stakeholders of the government’s inclusive approach, emphasizing that no group would be marginalized in the implementation process.
“I commit to working with everyone. I am not for anyone, nor against anyone,” he stated. “You all have a stake in this industry. As a government, our goal is to ensure that Sierra Leonean films are well produced, that filmmakers earn sustainable incomes, and that our values and stories are exported to the world through film.”
Minister Bah further underscored the urgency of moving from policy to action, revealing that he has instructed his team to develop a comprehensive implementation roadmap.
“I have given clear instructions for an action plan to be developed for the rollout of the Film Policy,” he said. “We will convene all stakeholders to jointly discuss the establishment of the Sierra Leone Movie Makers Association and the practical steps needed to move the industry forward.”
The engagements mark a significant step in translating policy into tangible outcomes, as Sierra Leone positions its film industry as a viable creative and economic sector on the regional and global stage.
