By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Renowned Nigerian actor and entrepreneur, Zubby Michael, has called on the government of Sierra Leone to provide substantial support to develop the country’s entertainment sector. His comments came during a recent conversation with Premier News while visiting Sierra Leone to film a new movie, The Battle of Supremacy.
Highlighting the Potential of African Cinema
The epic production by USAfricanmovieproduction, established by Sierra Leonean filmmaker Evelyn Grote, showcases the rich cultural heritage and storytelling traditions of African cinema. Michael emphasized that Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry holds immense potential, akin to those in other African countries, particularly Nigeria, which have seen significant growth and economic benefits.
Government Support: A Key to Growth
“There is a beautiful industry in Sierra Leone, but they need help,” Michael stated, stressing the importance of more projects, investors, and government involvement. He believes that government investment in the entertainment sector would yield substantial benefits for both the entertainment community and the nation. “The entertainment industry has the potential to be a major driver of economic growth. When the government invests in the sector, it creates opportunities for young talents to emerge, and it boosts tourism as people are drawn to the culture and entertainment scene,” he explained.
Preserving Cultural Heritage and Building National Identity
Beyond economic growth, Michael believes such investments would help preserve Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage. He highlighted that entertainment reflects a nation’s history, values, and traditions, and plays a crucial role in unifying people by providing a platform to share their stories and experiences.
Commending Local Passion and Vision for the Future
Michael commended the Sierra Leonean people for their deep passion for entertainment, noting the undeniable dedication and zeal present among the local population. He encouraged the Sierra Leonean entertainment community to continue striving for excellence, drawing a comparison to the early days of Nollywood. “But government should look into entertainment because Sierra Leoneans are passionate about it,” Michael added. “The zeal and passion are here, but they need help so that the industry will boom.”
Proposing a Film Bank for Filmmakers
Michael proposed the establishment of a film bank in Sierra Leone to support local filmmakers financially. “The government should open a film bank in Sierra Leone so that anyone who has a proposal and is confident in making a movie for, say, four hundred million and can sell it for 1.5 million dollars, it will be a good deal. The government should give filmmakers the opportunity to make their films, offering financial assistance with a little interest,” he urged.
Innovative Approach to Boost the Industry
Michael’s call for a film bank highlights an innovative approach to reduce financial risks for filmmakers. By providing easy access to funding and ensuring a fair repayment system, the government could empower filmmakers, boost the local economy, create jobs, and establish Sierra Leone as a key player in the global entertainment industry.
A Vision for the Future
In his concluding remarks, Michael expressed his firm belief that a concerted effort by both the government and private investors could position Sierra Leone as a potential hub for film production, entertainment, and cultural exchange. “If the government invests money into the industry, they will appreciate it later,” he said. Michael’s vision is one where Sierra Leone, with the right support and infrastructure, could build a robust entertainment sector that could become an influential force in Africa and beyond.
Inspiration for Other African Countries
As a respected figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, Zubby Michael’s thoughts on the importance of government investment in the entertainment sector offer a roadmap for other African countries, including Sierra Leone, to consider. With the right combination of passion, investment, and infrastructure, Sierra Leone’s entertainment industry has the potential to flourish and inspire future generations of artists, filmmakers, and storytellers.