By Thaimu T. Kamara
The Minister of Information and Civic Education, Hon. Chernor Bah, has held a high-level engagement with key leaders of Sierra Leone’s film industry as government intensifies efforts to implement the country’s first-ever National Film Policy. The engagement took place on Friday, 23rd January 2026, and forms part of broader consultations aimed at translating the newly adopted policy into concrete action.
The meeting brought together senior representatives from the Sierra Leone Film Council and the Sierra Leone Film Guild, with discussions focused on building a collaborative and inclusive framework for the effective operationalisation of the policy. Stakeholders explored mechanisms for coordination, institutional strengthening, and ensuring that the policy delivers tangible benefits for filmmakers and the wider creative sector.
During the engagement, Minister Bah was formally honoured by industry leaders in recognition of his leadership and commitment to steering the long-awaited National Film Policy to completion. The gesture reflected years of advocacy by practitioners who had long called for a structured policy to guide and regulate the growth of the industry.
President of the Sierra Leone Film Council, Aiah Momoh, commended the minister’s dedication, describing the policy as a historic breakthrough for the sector.
“For more than fifteen years, the industry has struggled to secure a national film policy,” Momoh said. “The achievement of this policy today represents a major milestone and a foundation for the future development of filmmaking in Sierra Leone.”
Representatives of the Sierra Leone Film Guild used the occasion to present their strategic plan, which outlines proposals for professionalising the industry, improving production standards, and creating sustainable opportunities for filmmakers. Both the Film Council and the Film Guild also sought clarification on the procedures for establishing the Sierra Leone Movie Makers Association, a key institutional structure предусмотрed under the new policy framework.
Addressing stakeholders, Minister Bah stressed the importance of unity within the industry, warning that internal divisions could undermine progress and discourage potential investors.
“We are currently engaged in multiple discussions around investment and emerging opportunities for the film industry,” the minister said. “But division will not attract investors. Unity is essential if the industry is to grow and compete.”
He assured participants that the implementation of the National Film Policy would be inclusive, transparent, and fair, emphasising that no group or association would be sidelined.
“I am not for anyone nor against anyone,” Minister Bah stated. “Everyone has a stake in this industry. Government’s objective is to ensure quality film production, create sustainable livelihoods for filmmakers, and promote Sierra Leone’s stories, culture, and values to the world.”
The minister further disclosed that his ministry has been directed to develop a comprehensive action plan to guide the rollout and implementation of the policy.
“We will convene all stakeholders to collectively discuss the establishment of the Sierra Leone Movie Makers Association and the practical steps required to move the industry forward,” he added.
The engagement marks a critical step in moving from policy formulation to implementation, as Sierra Leone positions its film industry as a viable creative, cultural, and economic sector capable of competing on the regional and global stage.