By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone — The entertainment industry in Sierra Leone is abuzz as Hafas Production’s highly anticipated film, Spellbound, is set for its premiere on April 25, 2025, at the Golden Beach Cinema on Aberdeen, Lumley Road. Directed by UyoYuo Adia, the movie promises to deliver an emotional and thought-provoking cinematic experience, cementing its place as a landmark production for Sierra Leone’s burgeoning film industry.
A Story of Resilience and Hope
Spellbound delves into the challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities, with a particular focus on children affected by cerebral palsy. The film’s poster, which features two young girls—one in a wheelchair—hints at a heartwarming narrative of resilience and hope. The movie addresses the societal misconceptions surrounding cerebral palsy, aiming to inspire understanding and empathy.
Impressive Cast and High Production Values
The film boasts a talented cast, including Sierra Leonean actress Zainab Sheriff, Ghanaian actor Majid Michel, and Abdul Karim Kargbo. With Barnabas Emol as the director of photography and Orinna Nwali handling editing, Spellbound maintains high production standards. Executive producers Hawa Bach and Fatmata Sesay, alongside associate producers Zainab Sheriff and Dare Sanusi, have worked tirelessly to bring this cinematic masterpiece to life.
Said Conteh, popularly known as Cold Sweat, serves as the production manager for the film. He described Spellbound as an important step forward for the Sierra Leonean film industry. “This movie sheds light on cerebral palsy, a condition that affects some children’s motor and cognitive development. In Sierra Leone and other parts of Africa, children with cerebral palsy are often misunderstood, and society sometimes perceives them as different,” Conteh said. He emphasized that the film seeks to challenge these perceptions while telling an inspiring story.
The film’s release is set to break new ground for the Sierra Leonean film industry, as it is slated to premiere on Netflix. This marks a significant milestone, offering global exposure and a major boost to the nation’s creative sector. Conteh highlighted the collaboration of local and international talent, with the director and cinematographer hailing from Nigeria while the assistant director and supporting crew are Sierra Leonean.
Commitment to Quality
Conteh praised the production’s attention to detail, particularly in terms of picture clarity, acting, and sound design. “To make a great movie, you need high-quality visuals and clean sound. Spellbound delivers exceptional quality in both aspects, ensuring an engaging and immersive viewing experience,” he noted.
A Game-Changer for Sierra Leone’s Film Industry
With its unique storyline, exceptional production quality, and international reach, Spellbound is poised to make a lasting impact on Sierra Leone’s film industry. “We’re looking forward to seeing more collaborations like this that will strengthen our industry and help us produce high-quality films,” Conteh concluded.
As anticipation builds, Spellbound is expected to not only captivate audiences but also set a new standard for filmmaking in Sierra Leone. Fans eagerly await the April premiere, ready to experience the emotional depth and cultural significance of this groundbreaking film.