By Claudia Redwood-SawyerrSierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, has been formally honoured by film industry leaders following a series of high-level engagements aimed at implementing the country’s first-ever National Film Policy.
The meetings, attended by senior representatives from the Sierra Leone Film Council and the Sierra Leone Film Guild, aimed to move the policy from text to practice. Participants used the sessions to develop an operational strategy to guide industry development, clarify institutional responsibilities, and outline the next steps in implementation. During the gatherings, industry leaders recognised Minister Bah’s leadership of the long-awaited policy by bestowing him with a formal honour.
The Sierra Leone Film Council’s President, Aiah Momoh, described the policy’s adoption as a watershed moment for the industry. “We appreciate the dedication and determination you have shown,” Momoh stated, noting that the policy has been a goal for more than fifteen years. “Achieving this now is a significant milestone for the industry,” she added, highlighting practitioners’ relief and renewed purpose.
Representatives from the Sierra Leone Film Guild presented a strategic plan aimed at strengthening the industry’s capacity, professionalising practice, and creating long-term income streams for filmmakers. Their presentation focused on skills development, production standards, market access, and institutional governance, all of which are aligned with the National Film Policy’s overarching objectives. Both the Film Council and the Film Guild sought detailed guidance on establishing the Sierra Leone Movie Makers Association, a new policy framework-based entity that is expected to serve as a collective voice for filmmakers.
Minister Bah used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of sector unity, warning that divisions could jeopardise emerging investment discussions. “We are currently having multiple discussions about investment and opportunities for our film industry,” he said. “However, division within the sector will not entice investors.” Unity is necessary if we are to grow this industry.”
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to an inclusive implementation process, assuring stakeholders that no group would be left out. “I pledge to work with everyone. I am not for or against anyone,” Minister Bah stated. “You’re all invested in this industry. Our government’s goal is to ensure that Sierra Leonean films are well produced, that filmmakers earn a living wage, and that our values and stories are shared with the rest of the world through film.
To ensure that the policy’s objectives are met, the minister has directed his team to create a comprehensive action plan and implementation roadmap. The plan will outline timelines, roles, resource needs, and stakeholder consultation mechanisms, as well as the practical steps required to establish the Sierra Leone Movie Makers Association and other policy-envisioned structures.
These engagements mark an important stage in the transition from policy development to implementation. As Sierra Leone strives to position its film industry as a viable creative and economic sector on a regional and global scale, the collaborative work begun in these meetings will be critical in shaping how filmmakers, industry bodies, and the government collaborate to attract investment, build capacity, and bring Sierra Leonean stories to a wider audience.
