Moviemakers have recently disclosed to Premier News that, the film industry in Sierra Leone lacks proper structure and is badly administered thus causing its poor output and the backwardness of its officials.
Brima Abdulai sheriff, a movie director, said that they encounter lots of challenges while working with government ministries like the ministries of information, trade, youths and tourism all of which have film administration as part of their mandate.
“We don’t actually know who to work with because it seems disorganized. We want the government to set up an entertainment ministry wherein every affairs of the industry should be channeled, but if that is not possible now, we are appealing for Government to temporally establish committees to serve as intermediaries between in the Govt and local movie outfits.
He said that film makers are not realizing much income from their talents and efforts.
He said that the outbreak of the coronavirus has left lots of filmmakers out of jobs. He recalled that before the outbreak of the coronavirus in the country, lots of moviemakers had paid to shoot movie scenes from various locations in the country, but they were unable to recoup their monies spent, adding that “those who were ready to premier their movies upon huge money spent were all unable to premier their movies which causes them massive loses.”
He added that currently the movie industry in Sierra Leone lacks the required market regulations and enforcement strategies which has made piracy become the order of the day. Film makers are not reaping anything from what they are suffering for and that has been affecting the industry for a very long time now.”
He said that upon all the challenges, filmmakers were able to support the government by bringing out information on the coronavirus.
He also advised directors, writers, producers and other filmmakers to build their capacities, do research, and seek help from one another. He emphasized the need to collaborate in films and seek skills and ideas from other people so that the industry would produce outputs that compete internationally.
Sheriff said that film industries usually provide job opportunity which he said reduces burdens and helps to generate income to the government through taxation from film premiering, releasing movies and hiring crew.
He added that the industry also sell the government image and profile the country by showing its image, culture, people and its developmental issues.
He said the industry also contributes to peacekeeping and national cohesion by telling stories.
“We are appealing to the government to help structure the film industry,” he said.
By Ibrahim S.Bangura
8/01/2021. ISSUE NO:7975