By Ibrahim S. Bangura
New Life Movie, a prominent film production company in Sierra Leone, has debuted its latest film, Fatima, aimed at supporting the government’s initiatives for girl child education, combating early marriage, and addressing gender-based violence. These issues significantly impact the progress of young girls in the country.
Lamin Jalloh, known as Lamtec, the writer and director of the film, shared that Fatima explores themes of education, love, hope, and betrayal. The story is set against both modern and village backdrops, centering on a young girl named Fatima. She dreams of uplifting her parents, who lack formal education and depend on farming for their livelihood. Fatima’s father, who always longed for an education, hoped his daughter would have opportunities he never received, but their impoverished circumstances made this difficult.
Tragedy strikes when Fatima’s father dies, leaving her and her mother to navigate the pressures of her education alone. Ultimately, Fatima’s mother also succumbs to the burden of trying to support her studies. This leaves Fatima vulnerable to abuse from her uncle, who mistreats her and prevents her from attending school, eventually forcing her into an early marriage.
Fatima’s fortunes change when she is rescued by the Girls Right Foundation, led by a friend’s sister. Lamtec highlighted the film’s powerful messages, stating, “It carries messages that can change society.” He emphasized the importance of prioritizing education and making wise choices in friendships, believing that film serves as an effective medium for conveying these critical themes.
Despite facing numerous challenges during production, the dedicated team worked tirelessly to ensure the film’s success. Lamtec has a history of impactful filmmaking, having previously produced notable works like Tears of an Orphan, Saved by Christ, The Wild Hunter, and Blood Brothers.
With Fatima, New Life Movie aims to inspire change and spark conversations about the importance of education for girls in Sierra Leone.
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