Freetown, October 23, 2025 – Film stakeholders in Sierra Leone have unanimously endorsed the Draft National Film Policy 2025 and agreed to move forward swiftly with the constitution of a new National Film Council, as proposed in the policy. The decision emerged during a major consultative meeting convened by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education, bringing together the National Film Council (interim body), Elders Council, guilds, associations, and other interest groups.
In his remarks, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor A. Bah, emphasized that the time for indecision and fragmentation in the film sector has passed. He declared that “the ship is setting sail — you either join, or you will be left behind,” noting that all stakeholders present agreed it was time to sail forward together and implement the policy without delay.
The Draft Policy establishes two key governance pillars for the sector — a new National Council for Movie Makers – Sierra Leone (National Film Council) to serve as the unified industry body, and a National Film and Video Censorship Directorate at the Independent Media Commission (IMC) to regulate, classify and enforce compliance.
The Minister reiterated that the blueprint endorsed is specifically for the constitution of the new National Film Council, which will operate with clear eligibility criteria, defined mandates, and transparent representation of guilds, associations, and practitioners. He called on stakeholders to “put aside old divisions and embrace a unified future.”
The Deputy Minister, Bockarie Bawoh, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a fair and inclusive transition, noting that “this process must reflect the will of the industry, not the will of individuals.”
Stakeholder representatives, including guild leaders and association heads, confirmed their willingness to work together and welcomed the opportunity to reset the industry on the foundation of shared rules, professionalism, and collective accountability.
Delivering a vote of thanks on behalf of the Elders Council, Mr. Salami Carew commended the spirit of unity and urged all parties to maintain the momentum through the next stages of validation and implementation.
The meeting concluded with a unanimous resolution to fast-track the final adoption of the Draft National Film Policy 2025 and immediately commence preparatory work for the establishment of the new National Film Council and the IMC’s film directorate.
