By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, Sierra Leone – September 3, 2024 – Evelyn K. Grote, widely known as Evelyn, founder of U.S. Africa Movie Production, has shared the inspiring story of her unexpected journey into the film industry, which began during a business trip to Sierra Leone a few years ago. What started as a venture focused on gold and diamond mining soon took a dramatic turn as she found herself captivated by the burgeoning film scene in the West African nation.
Evelyn, a Sierra Leonean-American entrepreneur, recounted how a newfound passion for filmmaking sparked within her, leading to a profound shift in her professional aspirations. “My vision became clear—I wanted to make a positive impact on African cinema, particularly in Sierra Leone,” she revealed.
Driven by a deep love for her homeland, Evelyn established U.S. Africa Movie Production with the goal of transcending the boundaries of African filmmaking. Her ambition was not just to produce films but to showcase the rich culture and profound passion that characterize African cinema. “My passion for filmmaking grew beyond imagination, fueling my desire to showcase to the world the rich culture woven into each African movie,” she said.
With unwavering determination, Evelyn ventured into the realms of movie production, marketing, distribution, and talent development. She firmly believes that a thriving film industry in Sierra Leone could generate much-needed employment opportunities and contribute significantly to the nation’s ongoing post-war reconstruction efforts. “This company stands as our second contribution to the nation-building process,” she stated. “We are resolute in our mission to create a cinematic landscape that not only entertains but also influences societal attitudes.”
Evelyn emphasized the potential of the film industry to shape minds and bridge communities, drawing parallels to the significant socio-economic and political contributions of Nigeria’s Nollywood and India’s Bollywood. “In Nigeria, the film industry has become the largest source of employment in the past six years, second only to agriculture. Meanwhile, Sierra Leone lags behind, with little support from the government or its people. Our ambition is to change this narrative and instigate a cinematic revolution that brings prosperity and enlightenment to our beloved nation,” she concluded.
Under Evelyn’s leadership, U.S. Africa Movie Production has produced numerous life-changing films, including Careless Fate, Dilemma, Lost Identity, and Pica. Many of these films, created in collaboration with Nigerian filmmakers, have had a global impact, touching lives far beyond the borders of Sierra Leone.
Evelyn’s journey from a businesswoman focused on mining to a passionate advocate for African cinema serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of storytelling and the potential for film to drive social and economic change.
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