By Abdul Rahman Bah
The Sierra Leone Film Guild (SLFG) has called for a united national effort to revive and transform the country’s film sector following the dissolution of the Sierra Leone Film Council.
Speaking at a well-attended press conference at 35 Jones Street, Freetown, Acting Chairman, Baba Sesay, and Secretary General, Iscandri A. Sankoh, presented a vision for the future of Sierra Leonean film that blends urgency with collaboration, describing the move as the beginning of a new chapter rather than the end of an era.
“This is not the end, it is a new beginning,” Baba Sesay told journalists, stressing that the dissolution of the Council offers a unique chance to realign priorities and professionalize the industry. He emphasized that the Guild is determined to ensure that filmmakers, producers, and creative professionals have a voice in shaping the policies that govern their work. “Together, with unity of purpose, we will build a film industry that is not just about entertainment, but about national pride, economic growth, and opportunities for our youths,” he said.
Secretary General Iscandri A. Sankoh added a passionate appeal for accountability and shared responsibility, reminding all stakeholders that this is a moment to correct past mistakes and embrace progress. “We must recognize that this decision is about alignment and moving forward,” Sankoh said. “You know they recognize; you know they do it. You see that local council anybody who gets to it must understand that this is the people’s industry. Even if the king himself were to say no, we will continue pushing ahead, because this future belongs to Sierra Leone and its people.”
Both leaders underscored the importance of finalizing and adopting the National Film Policy and Film Act, working closely with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and Parliament. They called for the establishment of a National Film Commission or Directorate and a National Film and Media Training Institute to provide structure, incentives, skills development, and international promotion. They also stressed the need to combat piracy and protect intellectual property, promising to work with the Anti-Corruption Commission, the police, and the judiciary to safeguard the rights of filmmakers and secure fair compensation for their work.
The Guild pointed to international models in South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria, where creative industries have thrived, thanks to the clear separation between professional guilds and government regulatory bodies. These countries, they said, have proven that when artists are given a platform and supported with proper regulation, job creation, international collaborations, and global recognition follow.
“The dissolution of the Sierra Leone Film Council is not the end of our story; it is the turning of a page,” Sesay concluded. “Film is not just entertainment; it is a tool for national transformation. Sierra Leone is ready to build a film industry worthy of its people, its culture, and its future.”
The press conference ended with a strong message of unity, urging government, development partners, and industry professionals to work together to create a thriving film sector that contributes meaningfully to the economy, provides opportunities for young people, and projects Sierra Leone’s culture onto the global stage.