Film Guild Charts New Course After Council Dissolution
Freetown, Monday, 15 September 2025. Sierra Leone’s film industry has entered a critical turning point as the Sierra Leone Film Guild (SLFG) takes bold steps to spearhead reform and revival following the recent dissolution of the Sierra Leone Film Council. At a press conference held at 35 Jones Street, Freetown, the Guild’s leadership laid out a vision that blends urgency with optimism, emphasizing that the end of the Council should be seen not as a setback but as the dawn of a stronger, more professionalized film sector.
Acting Chairman Baba Sesay and Secretary General Iscandri A. Sankoh led the engagement, drawing filmmakers, producers, journalists, and cultural advocates into a discussion on the future of Sierra Leonean cinema. The leaders described the dissolution as an opportunity to “reset the industry,” reposition it as a driver of national pride, and place it firmly on the map of Africa’s booming creative economy.
“This is not the end it is a new beginning,” Baba Sesay declared. He underscored the Guild’s determination to ensure that practitioners have a strong voice in policy formation. According to him, the renewed focus must be on creating an industry that not only entertains but also stimulates economic growth, builds cultural identity, and provides opportunities for Sierra Leone’s growing youth population.
Secretary General Sankoh, speaking with passion and conviction, called for unity and accountability. He reminded stakeholders that the moment demands correction of past mistakes, proper alignment with national priorities, and a commitment to progress. “This is the people’s industry,” he stressed. “Even if the king himself were to say no, we will continue pushing ahead because the future belongs to Sierra Leone and its people.”
Roadmap for Reform
Both leaders outlined several key reforms they believe are essential for the sector’s survival and growth:
Adoption of a National Film Policy and Film Act – to establish a legal framework that supports industry development.
Creation of a National Film Commission/Directorate a regulatory body to oversee standards, incentives, and international promotion.
Establishment of a National Film and Media Training Institute to build local skills and prepare young professionals for both domestic and international markets.
Combatting Piracy and Protecting Intellectual Property by partnering with the Anti-Corruption Commission, police, and judiciary to safeguard creators’ rights.
The Guild also cited South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria as successful models where creative industries have flourished under clear structures that separate professional guilds from regulatory authorities. These examples, they noted, show how a thriving film sector can generate employment, attract investment, and bring global recognition to local talent.
Film as a Tool for Transformation
Sesay concluded with a call for collaboration: “The dissolution of the Sierra Leone Film Council is not the end of our story; it is the turning of a page. 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 an appeal for unity among government, development partners, and industry professionals, stressing that Sierra Leone’s film industry has the potential to become not only a cultural powerhouse but also a pillar of economic development and youth empowerment.
With this bold reset, the Sierra Leone Film Guild has positioned itself as a driving force in shaping the nation’s creative destiny
signaling a new chapter for Sierra Leonean cinema
