10/09/2025
WE NOR GO TAYA FOR BRING AM TO DEM NOTICE!!!
NA FOR D BAMBAI!...
With the recent takeover of MultiChoice, Africa’s largest Pay-TV and streaming platform by Canal+ and their pledge to globalize African film content through StudioCanal with an annual investment slate of over US$200 million, the momentum for African cinema has never been stronger. In addition, Afreximbank, through its Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), has launched a US$1 billion Africa Film Fund under the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme to finance film production, TV series, post-production, distribution, and creative infrastructure across the continent.
These developments signal a transformative era for African storytelling. Yet, as filmmakers from Sierra Leone, many of us continue to miss crucial opportunities to participate in these initiatives, not because we lack vision, talent, or commitment, but because of a lack of mobility and institutional support from our own government.
Despite being invited as official delegates to CANEX@IATF in Algeria, my partner and I were unable to attend due to the absence of travel support, even though the Ministry of Trade and Industry had a booth at the same event. The same challenge occurred last year when my film Clashoera was selected at CANEX WKND again in Algeria, and also during the African Film Finance Forum in Nigeria, where my project was officially selected for pitching to investors.
These missed opportunities represent more than personal setbacks, they reflect the broader challenges facing Sierra Leone’s film industry: lack of policy attention, limited structural support, and insufficient recognition of the creative sector as a driver of national development.
It is often said that the film industry in Sierra Leone is divided or disorganized. The truth is, the division stems from a small group of individuals who thrive in the current lack of structure and accountability. Many others dedicated, skilled, and passionate continue to work diligently and uphold professionalism despite the absence of support systems.
We do not ask for much. A small but strategic level of assistance, such as travel grants of $2,000 to $5,000 for filmmakers whose projects are officially selected to represent Sierra Leone on international platforms would make a world of difference. This modest investment could unlock millions in potential partnerships, funding, and exposure for our country’s creative economy.
The time has come for the Government of Sierra Leone to truly recognize the power of film, not merely as entertainment, but as a vehicle for economic growth, cultural diplomacy, and national pride. With the global spotlight now on African cinema, Sierra Leone must not be left behind.
Zachariah Lloyd Sesay.
