SL FILMNET - Recently Updated Pages

Professional Register

cottontree — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 04:45:50 CST

This Professional Register consists of professional individuals, groups and organisations who work within, or provide professional services to, the Sierra Leone film industry. Category listings are included in brackets after the title.

The Register is limited to those who work predominantly in factual, fictional or art/experimental shorts and feature films. (It therefore excludes those working in television programming, commercials and advertising related production). Inclusion in the Register is free and open to those with demonstrable proof of professional work on at least one recognised Sierra Leone film production. (To apply for inclusion, please send an email with details of your professional experience to the SLNFW.)

Professionals & Specialisations

Idriss Kpange	Camera (and camera hire), Editor
Lebane	Editor, Camera
Papa Edwin Daniel Pshaw	Producer, Director, DoP/Camera, Lighting, Sound, Editor
Ernest S.T.F.Mannah	Scriptwriter; Director; Producer
Augustus Thomas	Scriptwriter; Director; Producer
Tejan Cole	Actor, Scriptwriter; Producer
Samuel Dixon	Camera, Editor
John Mustapha Gbau	Writer, Director, Producer
Schwarb E. Kamara	Camera

Organisations & Services

ABC Television	Commercial TV Broadcaster; Production Equipment (mini-DV); Crews
CMET (Centre for Media,Education and Training)	Shooting Equipment Hire (mini-DV, Sound, Lights); Post-Production (Adobe, Avid)
FirstLight	Production Consultants
Media Magic	Post-production Hire (Adobe)
Premier Media
Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service (SLBS)	Government TV Broadcaster (mini-DV, VHS); Production Equipment; Crews
Sierra Leone National Film Workshop	Production support; management; fixers

SLFilm Archive and Library

cottontree — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 04:27:17 CST

We are requesting everyone's assistance in continuing to maintain this section as the best and most comprehensive directory of Sierra Leone films, film professionals and organisations. Please feel free to add any new information you believe is relevant and correct.

Film Index

This list defines 'Sierra Leone' films, primarily as films made by Sierra Leoneans (in Sierra Leone or elsewhere); and secondarily as films generally about Sierra Leone, and marginally (possibly) marginally asfilms using Sierra Leone as a shooting location .

SLFilm Union

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:49:51 CDT

Union Affiliation: A Sierra Leone Film Guild?

The Film Workshop has been involved in preliminary discussions to explore how Sierra Leone professionals working in film (or television) might gain national recognition through union affiliation with Sierra Leone's Labour Congress, and recognition and affiliation with international industry and union bodies. (This has been faciliated by support from BECTU, the professional union in the UK of which Ian Noah had links as he was a member whilst in the UK.)

One idea is to create an 'umbrella' union', which might be called something such as the 'Broadcast and Media Union', and would bring together the power of all those working in TV, Radio, and other allied sectors - including filmmakers.

We recently invited some key members of the industry to contribute their thoughts to thie idea of a union, and as a result, recently hosted the first meeting of a Working Group for a putative Sierra Leone Film Guild. It agreed that given the level of filmmaking in Sierra Leone, it was more important to begin by formally acknowledge the existence of filmmakers. Whilst they may include and collaborate with professionals working in other areas (television, theatre, etc), they are nevertheless a distinct group in their own right with a unique contribution to make to Sierra Leone culture and the economy. Consequently, filmmakers also have their own needs which are perhaps best addressed by a dedicated guild/union in the first instance.

In addition, in order to ensure that all the important needs specific to filmmaking in Sierra Leone, are addressed (or at least represented) there is an argument for the creation of specialist 'clubs/guilds/associations' for cameramen, directors, producers, etc. Nevertheless, the first priority is the craetion of a Guild/Union for film professionals.

To this end, the Workshop, which has been supported in its aims by BECTU in the UK, (the professional union of which Ian Noah was a member whilst in the UK) , has been drafting a Constitution, based, inevitably on the BECTU template. This is can be downloaded from the bottom of this page.

Apparently it needs to be considerable shorter for Sierra Leone (!) Whateve your thoughts, suggestions, etc, please feel free to give us your feedback, and also let us know if you would like to be invited to attend the next Working Group meeting.

Update: 16.10.07
Further to a meeting of the Working Group on the 12th October, a revised draft constitution has now been created and is available for public viewing and feedback, from the link at the bottom of this page.

Home

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:47:58 CDT

Welcome! (Or "Kabo" as we say in Krio! ) Welcome to the homepage of the 'Sollywood' - the indigenous film industry of Sierra Leone!

Thank you for visiting SLFILMNET.org - the official homepage of SLFILM - the Sierra Leone Film Industry, Labour and Marketing organisation. This online resource is one of several projects and initiatives developed by the SLFilm Workshop.

It has been created for the benefit of everyone involved with, or interested in, Sierra Leone film production. On this site you will find information about the growing phenomenon of Sierra Leone filmmaking.

Find out about the films; the filmmakers that struggle to make them against tremendous odds; and take advantage of the various sections of this 'live' resource, which is continually being updated and expanded by Sierra Leonean (and international) filmmakers and visitors, just like you...

Whether you are a filmmaker, film lover, commercial sponsor, business investor, industry partner or whatever - please feel free to get involved by just exploring this site, and then be part of this resource network by registering and giving us your feedback, advice, requests, whatever...!

Learn more about this site, the people behind it, and how it works as a collaborative resource.
Look up Sierra Leone films
Find Sierra Leone organisations and professionals working in film making
Find out about film-related events and activities in the country
Read articles and publications on Sierra Leone film
Keep up with news from the Sierra Leone film world

Using this site:
You can find things on this website in 3 ways:-

Menu - It's on the left-hand side of this screen. Use it to navigate the site; or
Searchbox - Put in any words to search the entire site and find relevant pages; or
Sitemap - Find the relevant section using the sitemap button at the bottom of the page, left-hand side.

If you have any questions, comments, or other feedback, please feel free to add your comments by registering on the site. If you need to, you can also email us via mailto:slfilmnet@nationalfilmworkshop.org

Announcements & News

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:43:30 CDT

In addition to these announcements, you can keep up to date withour news (essentially our 'blog' page). In addition we've provided some live film news information feeds on the International Film News section.

Union

We are involved with preliminary discussions that are currently underway to explore how Sierra Leone professionals working in film (or television) might gain national and international recognition through union affiliation with the Labour Congress.

XTV

A new opportunity for production and distribution to a global audience.. Visit www.xtvsl.com

Publishing

We need your opinions and interviews, as well as your articles and essays, for publishing on SLFilmNet, (and beyond...)

Film Index

If you've made a film and the details are not yet in the index, shame on you. You know what to do; do it now!

Professional Register

We - and a lot of internatyional people - urgently need to know who is doing what in Sierra Leone filmmaking, with what, and where. Please add your details.

Professional Development

We are now trying to organise training sessions. Let us know preceisely what you would like(e.g. scripting, directing, camera, sound, lighting, editing, animation, editing, producing, make-up, etc) and we'll see what we can do, based upon demand.

Calendar of Events

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:37:52 CDT

This calendar is made available here as a public resource and may include events that could be of interest to Sierra Leone filmmakers and others.

Contact Us

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:33:48 CDT

If you have any queries, suggestions or comments related to any issues or projects on SL FilmNet, please feel free to contact:-

SLFilm
(Sierra Leone Film Industry, Labour & Marketing)

c/o 27, Liverpool Street

Freetown

Sierra Leone

Tel: +232 (0)77 422711 (Secretary) or

+232 (0)76 353321 (Exec.Director)

Email: admin@nationalfilmworkshop.org

Web: www.nationalfilmworkshop.org

Activities

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:29:44 CDT

Filmmaking in Sierra Leone is developing very quickly. To monitor developments, you can find out more by checking the activities, which have been divided into the following film sectors:-

Policy & Development
Includes consultations with filmmakers, government, and other stakeholders as plans are formulated for the formal recognition and development of an indigenous film industry.
Professional Development

Includes initiatives for developing training courses, professional practice, etc

Production

Includes information on projects being developed with the SLNFW.

Screening & Distribution

Includes information on screening facilities, opportunities, copyright and distribution issues.

Film Archives

Includes development of an archive of digital copies of Sierra Leone films, (with a physical/international back-up) in a national repository, for reference, research and cultural study purposes.

Research & Publications

Includes relevant articles, proposals, scripts, whitepapers, and other publications related to Sierra Leone filmmaking.

SLFilm Marketing & Distribution

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:26:31 CDT

Copyright
Before screening, it is vital that you have permissions to screen the work in public (especially if you wish to charge money for tickets), and that your film is clearly copyrighted. Do consider using Creative Commons Licences. Do familiarise yourself with this area of screening and distribution - further information on copyright is available in theResources section.

Screening Venues for hire
British Council
Family Kingdom
Globe Cinema

Film Festivals
Freetown Film Festival - Sierra Leone's first and only internationally recognised annual film festival.
Other International Film Festivals

Distribution
When you've made a film, it needs to be seen. However, you won't be able to legally distribute your film unless you have proof of ownership of the rights (or written permission from other rights holders - such as for the music you might be using in your film.)
National: Although piracy is a global phenomenon, this illegal activity is particularly rampant in Sierra Leone where a lack of law enforcement and public education makes this disease particularly rampant. Steps are, however, being taken to introduce a new national distribution strategy to minimise piracy and provide better accountability and profits to filmmakers than is currently the case.
International: If you have all the necessary rights, there are are scores of international distributors available, all looking for interesting, well-made and original films. Many specialise in specific genres and have different target markets. For help in this area, feel free to contact the SLNFW.

Sierra Leone's Global Online Channel
XTV is a new production and distribution project to provide stimulus, support and a window for Sierra Leone filmmakers. Check it out!

Research & Publications

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:24:19 CDT

This section is for articles, papers, books and other publications directly relevant to Sierra Leone filmmaking. (please feel free to add your suggestions or feedback via comments).

We are also conducting related polls and surveys for general research, and very much encourage your participation.

Articles

'Culture and its Role in Post-Conflict Sierra Leone' - article taken from the white paper 'Putting Sierra Leone In The Picture'.
'Help Capture This Beautiful Country' - a feature article from 'Stage, Screen and Radio', the magazine for members of Britain's union for industry professionals - BECTU (Broadcasting, Entertainment, Cinematograph and Theatre Union).
- Download PDF: Double Page Spread Version or Consecutive Page Version

Books

'Searching for Sollywood' - due for publication in 2008

Papers and Discussion Documents

Putting Sierra Leone In The Picture: A white paper on indigenous film sector development

Polls and Surveys

What is your definition of a 'Sierra Leone' film?

Resources

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:21:44 CDT

Resources
Despite having no real resources (our small, old, donated Canon palmcorder no longer works and we have no functioning editing equipment), nor income (all our income has so far come from donations from a single private benefactor), the Workshop aims to develop and provide support 'from Script to Screen', as well as encouraging learning and debate by offering access to training resources, publications, relevant organisations, and screenings of national, continental, and international film and video productions.

The Workshop is now trying to obtain a selection of donated equipment that can address the needs of complete beginners, as well as equipment suitable for trained individuals to execute technical work of a professional and international standard. Our aim is to provides access to this equipment, complemented by appropriate training for all those interested in creating documentaries, dramas, or other content for the benefit of film and television audiences, today and for the future.
The following resources are provided for the benefit of localfilmmakers, but we hope that other visitors find them useful. If you have any suggestions, please add them to the page or contact us.

Official Country Information on Sierra Leone

Rights and Copyright
You must have clear and agreed rights (including copyright) agreements, before you can use actors, music, locations, etc, in your production. The only exceptions are where such a right is officially waived by the owner (for example, an actor/interviewee allowing themselves to be shown in your production) or any resource described as 'Public Domain' or 'Copyright Free'. More information on copyright is available from the following:-

Production Agreements and Contracts

FREE Production Templates
These have been developed by the National Film Workshop for use in Sierra Leone film productions. More will be added according to requests. To use them, just go to the attachments section at the bottom of this page (or click here), then download them and use!

Online Production Training Courses

Free BBC Media Production Courses
Various Video (and Radio) training modules provided by the BBC.
Free Television and Video Production Course
A Television and Video production course, produced by Cyber College/Internet Campus, is available free for online viewing. (Important: Please read their copyright notice before using.)
Film School Online
Film School Online offers web-based film courses in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, sound, editing, and producing with an emphasis on filmmaking and micro-budget production. Sample lessons available. (N.B. Individual courses are $15 or enroll in the complete program for $50. Certificate courses and program also available.)
Free Production courses
Provided by Video 101, this aims to provide a useful introduction to all the essentials for video production and post-production.
Free Production Articles
Training articles on video production

Production Music and Sound Effects

Free sound effects and music
Available from Partners In Rhyme and are specially created, free of copyright.

Free & Open Source Software (FOSS)
FOSS is the industry description for a whole world of software that is freely accessible and available. Whether you use windows and want free software, or you want a free alternative to windows itself - you can find out about it all here.

If you have any feedback or suggestions for other links or templates,
just add your comment to this page!

Training

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:18:01 CDT

We believe that the best way to inspire and encourage filmmakers and impart real knowledge and skills is through the experience of working on a production; hence the use of the 'workshop' model. Consequently, the Workshop offers a creative, technical and administrative 'umbrella' under which filmmakers can operate. In so doing, the Workshop can offer help in managing the various stages of a production process 'from script to screen' without interfering in the freedom for young filmmakers to create their own productions and develop their own working methodologies.

Whilst this may necessarily involve some educational and instructive training, we are not a film school. Rather, our objective is to be a 'filmmaker resource', providing assistance and guidance through the overall filmmaking stages of development, production, and distribution. In addition, through the devlopment of professional links with international organisations, we may also be able to offer additional assistance by helping to identify and secure possible sources of production finance and appropriate organisations able to help in the Development, Production and Distribution of Sierra Leone films.

How you can help

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:11:39 CDT

Since 2005, we have spent considerable amounts of our own time, money and resources todeveloping anddemonstrating our own commitment to the potential for an indigenous film production sector in Sierra Leone.

We have consulted with filmmakers and other stakeholders about their needs, followed the enthusiasm of local people to make their own films, (be they feature length dramas or short participatory videos about their local social or political concerns), researched and published information on local film production and even showcased local productions at the Freetown Film Festival and on XTVSL.com.

We have demonstrated that there is real potential for the growingindigenousproduction sector; that it can contribute to broader social expression, greater citizendemocracy and enriched arts and culture. In short it can help make a positive contribution towards the development a more inclusive form of social, economic and cultural participation.

We have successfully challenged thementality that nothing ofvalue canbe initiatedwithout first having to be underwritten or funded by 'aid' packages from DFID, EU, the UN,or other organisations, (and which frequently come with an assortment of strings attached...)

We have persuaded people to stop passively sitting around waiting for something to happen, and, rather, encouraged them to see that they have the power to positively make something happen by, and for, themselves. We followed the old principle to 'Put your money where your mouths is' and simply rolled up our sleeves and did what we could, hoping others would see what was being done, be enthused by the genuine efforts to make a real difference in this under-developed country, and perhaps would join us and help.

Consequently,having first proved our own seriousness and commitment, only now are we inviting/asking everyone interested in filmmaking/Sierra Leone/social and cultural development to consider how they can might best be able to help to maintain and further develop the work we have already started.

For example, you might want to consider any of the following:-

donate old or used production and post-production equipment;
books and magazines on film and video;
computers, officeequipment or furniture;
shooting your next production in Sierra Leone to create training and marketing opportunities;
sharing your skills and experience at a training seminar or workshop in Sierra Leone;
to promote SLFilm, the Freetown Film Festival or Sierra Leone filmmaking in general througharticles, interviews, screenings, links from your website, etc
sending a small financial donation (nothing is too small) which can be used to help defray our numerous local expenses in Sierra Leone.
something more personal and relevant to you.

Just send us an email at admin@nationalfilmworkshop.org, with details of what you would like to do, and we will help you to make it happen, to our mutual benefit.

In whatever way you think you can help, be assured that all contributions will be properly appreciated and acknowledged by us, no matter how modest they may seem by Western standards, they will be hugely beneficial in Sierra Leone.

More importantly,be assured that your contribution will be helping Sierra Leoneans tocommunicate and share their lives with others and gain access to new skills and new opportunities to change and improve their lives for the betterment of themselves and the country as a whole.

That's the real power of film and television.

Why we do it

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:10:42 CDT

Sierra Leone is a country challenged by social and economic underdevelopment. It is currently in the midst of recovering from the additional setbacks caused by a recent ten-year war that further added to civil strife and disruption.

Having recently emerged from this war, there has been a recognised need for the people of Sierra Leone to be able to acknowledge, appreciate, challenge and celebrate their shared experiences of their history, culture; their lives. Apart from contributing to the peace building process and helping to regain a sense of nationhood, it is vitally important that the lessons of recent social history and the people's rich and diverse cultural traditions are not forgotten or ignored. The desire to make films and programming for national viewing has caught the imagination, but unfortunately, the prohibitive costs of hiring suitable video equipment to create social documentaries or local dramas has created a massive obstacle to the growth of indigenous production of contemporary film and programme content.

Film/programme makers are hampered by the exorbitant costs currently being charged. This, it has to be said is due primarily to the presence of a significant number of international NGOs wielding large dollar budgets. Inevitably, this has encouraged those few centres with the appropriate equipment to create and maintain a pricing monopoly which effectively excludes indigenous low-budget productions from access to technical resources in particular and ultimately, the media in general.

For local people in Sierra Leone, the cost of one day's camera and editing hire, is equivalent to more than one month's salary for the average worker. Based on such a ratio of cost to earnings, even filmmaking in the UK or USA would not be viable. It is hardly surprising, therefore, that it has been nigh on impossible for Sierra Leoneans to create and develop indigenous, original productions of social and cultural expression for local (or international consumption) which are not reliant on foreign aid or investment. Instead a deluge of cheap imported films dominate the cinemas and television, highlighting the paucity of local productions. These films are a poor substitute for exploring the potential of real films - be they dramas, documentaries, art, or experimental - that relate to, or reflect the life and culture of, Sierra Leone.

Out of this financially difficult and creatively challenging background, the SL Film Workshop has been created to help overcome this serious failing by aiming to provide free access to equipment and support for local filmmakers. By encouraging production of local films about local interests and topics and issues, the workshop aims to make its own contribution to the nurturing of latent talent, the development of useful skills, and through creating a body of work, helping to build a valuable asset for the nation's archival, educational or cultural enjoyment. In short, giving Sierra Leone the opportunity to create a new industry and contributing to the building of social recognition and cultural respect around the world.

What we do

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:10:02 CDT

The SLFilm Workshop was created with just one key purpose; to help filmmakers make films. It is a 'nexus' for meeting like-minded, supportive people; gaining orientation, direction, and traction in the filmmaking process; and helping to create real recognition and a professional environment for filmmakers.

Training
We believe that the best way to inspire and encourage filmmakers and impart real knowledge and skills is through the experience of working on a production; hence the use of the 'workshop' model. Consequently, the Workshop offers a creative, technical and administrative 'umbrella' under which filmmakers can operate. In so doing, the Workshop can offer help in managing the various stages of a production process 'from script to screen' without interfering in the freedom for young filmmakers to create their own productions and develop their own working methodologies.

Whilst this may necessarily involve some educational and instructive training, we are not a film school. Rather, our objective is to be a 'filmmaker resource', providing assistance and guidance through the overall filmmaking stages of development, production, and distribution. In addition, through the devlopment of professional links with international organisations, we may also be able to offer additional assistance by helping to identify and secure possible sources of production finance and appropriate organisations able to help in the Development, Production and Distribution of Sierra Leone films.

Productions
The Workshop seeks to encourage projects that explore, address or give expression to, the social and cultural mores of Sierra Leone and its peoples. This is being done by not only working with other partners in film and television in Sierra Leone and internationally, but also with local individuals and organisations. For instance, by working with other civil society organisations and NGOs we hope to facilitate the documentation of social issues and activities highlighted by those organisations, and help in the overall promotion of those themes and issues which filmmakers may seek to choose to create appropriate productions.

Resources
Despite having no real resources (our small, old, donated Canon palmcorder no longer works and we have no functioning editing equipment), nor income (all our income has so far come from donations from a single private benefactor), the Workshop aims to develop and provide support 'from Script to Screen', as well as encouraging learning and debate by offering access to training resources, publications, relevant organisations, and screenings of national, continental, and international film and video productions.

The Workshop is nowtrying to obtain a selection of donated equipment that can address the needs of complete beginners, as well as equipment suitable for trained individuals to execute technical work of a professional and international standard. Our aim is to provides access to this equipment, complemented by appropriate training for all those interested in creating documentaries, dramas, or other content for the benefit of film and television audiences, today and for the future.

The Future
Unlike many non-profit organisations (NGOs) who despite grand promises and massive generously donated resources, fail to deliver or fulfil their comitmments, the SLFilm Workshop - despite virtually no resources - has shown that you can make a positive difference with minimal resources; as long as people are serious and committed. The Workshop has already succeeded in planning and delivering several groundbreaking and pioneering projects that are now being applauded as examples for others to follow. We have shown what can be done with limited resources, and now, for the first time, we have begun to seek support from international organisations, in the knowledge that we have demonstrated our seriousness and comittment, and now wish to build upon the tremendous foundation of achievements that has already been laid down.

With the right support, our work, our resources and our accomplishments will continue to grow and benefit Sierra leone filmmaking. Ultimately, we will be able to not only support a real and thriving film production sector in Sierra Leone (with all the attendant benefits of a community of professionals with the tools and skills for national and international communication, freedom of social and cultural exprerssion, as well as economic empowerment), but also fulfil our avowed aim that no Sierra Leonean need be excluded from the opportunity of being able to give expression - through film - to his or her life, culture or identity as a Sierra Leonean.

If you would like to support us, please send an email to admin @ nationalfilmworkshop.org.

Thank you.

SLFilm Workshop

cottontree — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 09:08:56 CDT

SLFilm Workshop (ex- Sierra Leone National Film Workshop)
c/o Ballanta Academy of Music, 27 Liverpool Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone
Tel: +232 (0)77 422711 (Secretary) or +232 (0)76 353321 (Exec.Director)
Email: admin@nationalfilmworkshop.org
Web: www.nationalfilmworkshop.org

The Sierra Leone National Film Workshop (SLNFW) is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation created to support the practice and development of filmmaking in Sierra Leone.

Due to the need to extend and expand its capacity and activities, the Workshop recently underwent an important administrative and structural change from its original name of teh Sierra Leone National Film Workshop. Its has now transformed itself into the SLFILM (Sierra Leone Film Industry, Labour and Marketing) organistion. SLFilm is the new, non-profit umbrella organisation representing all economic, educational and entertainment aspects of Sierra Leone's indigenous film industry.

The Workshop is continuously developing programmes to help utilise film production as an important educational, economic, and socially empoweringtool, whether it is providing a voice to local marginalised groups through 'Participatory Video' or assisting with ambitious feature film projects aimed at international distribution. We depend on local volunteer filmmakers who arecommitted to volunteering their time, skills and energy for the benefit and development of the Sierra Leone filmmaking community at large. Our developing programs and services are available to everyone, irrespective of ethnicity, sexuality, religion or political orientation.

Despite working with a lack of resources, SLFilm Workshop has already assisted and provided support to a number of local filmmakers and their films, as well as enabling the fulfilment of a number of groundbreaking projects in Sierra Leone.

Our pioneering work in helping to develop awareness, build capacity and change perceptions about filmmaking in Sierra Leone, include the following:-

PUTTING SIERRA LEONE

IN THE PICTURE

Publication of the first and only international white paper on the development of the Sierra Leone indigenous film industry.

FREETOWN FILM FESTIVAL

The first and only international festival of films either by Sierra Leoneans or about Sierra Leone.

SL FILMNET

The Sierra Leone Film Network - the first and only online resource for Sierra Leone film production.

SIERRA LEONE FILM DIRECTORY

Sierra Leone's first directory of films and film/video professionals.

XTV

Sierra Leone's first active online global television channel, (and the first such channel, to be produced by local youth, in all Africa.)

Watch this space...!

To find out more about the Sierra Leone National Film Workshop, please follow these links -

Admin

FFF 2008

cottontree — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 14:30:14 CDT

2nd Freetown Film Festival

31st August - 6th September 2008

Last year, in 2007, the Freetown Film Festival set a record for the largest and most successful film festival of Sierra Leone films anywhere in the world. Over 20 films were shown over 3 days to over 4,500 people. To the delight of audiences and filmmakers in Sierra Leone and those in the international community, the Freetown Film Festival was able to formally establish national and international acknowledgement of the existence of a Sierra Leone filmmaking industry.

Following on from that unprecedented success, this year's 2nd Freetown Film Festival (2008) will seek to consolidate its impact, and increase greater awareness, appreciation and pride in the local indigenous film industry, by attempting to show films beyond Freetown, to people all over the country. Yes, we know, we had hoped to hold it in March 2008, but were bady let down by the marketing department of Celtel (as was, now re-named Zain) who made typically 'marketing-effervescent' noises about sponsorship and promises of support, then undermined our ability to keep to our dates by actually doing nothing and never having the professional courtesy to let us know in time, such that we were forced to postpone the Festival.

Nevertheless, filmmakers all over the world have frequently had to deal with such flaky attitudes, so we girded up our loins, counted to ten, rolled up our sleeves and got down to planning how we were going to organise this year's Festival so that even more Sierra Leoneans could enjoy films made by the country's filmmaking talents.

The best way to do this is through television, but therein lies another sad tale. Traditionally, it would appear that the television broadcasters in Sierra Leone refused to fully understand the economic model for television and insisted on charging film/programme makers, in much the same way an ignorant newspaper might think it could make money by charging its own journalists for printing their articles... The accepted international wisdom of most successful media (tv/radio/print/internet) that you attract, encourage, or (heaven forbid) actually pay for good content, so that your media will attract such a large audience of either significant market share or demographic importance that the audience can then be sold to eager advertisers, has been entirely lost on Sierra Leone broadcasters... With no funds to support either the acquisition or production of films, documentaries, radio plays, and other creative works, there has been little or no national investment in these areas, which in turn has led to a demise in the rlevance of television. A demise which is being countered by showing (free) foreign content such as CNN staellite feeds or Nigerian videos - which further adds to the undermining of and deculturation of Sierra Leone.

However, times are changing, and now, thanks to the visionary support of the new Director-General of Sierra Leone Broadcasting Service, the Freetown Film Festival has succeeded in creating a unique partnership with the national broadcaster. For the first time in the history of Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone films will be broadcast across the country, during the Film Festival week, to provide national exposure of Sierra Leone films to the entire nation. This will provide millions of people with the chance to view a nightly screening of a selected Sierra Leone feature film; made in Sierra Leone, by Sierra Leoneans, and featuring Sierra Leonean hopes, dreams, fears, aspirations, experiences and stories. Filmmaking is coming home at last!

In addition, filmmakers themselves will be invited to a special Filmmaker's Forum, consisting of a series of industry conferences, workshops and screenings. This will be taking place, courtesy of the National Association of Sierra Leone Artists and the Ballanta Academy, at their address at 27 Liverpool Street, Freetown. Later, we hope to provide excerpts or trailers for these films on Sierra Leone's unique internet community television channel, www.XTVSL.com, where they will be able to be enjoyed by Sierra Leoneans and international audiences around the world.

For information on this year's film programme, please open the pdf documents at the bottom of this page. If you would like to find out more about submitting your films, please see the submission section in the menu. If you have any suggestions or would like to help us in any way, please contact us.

In the meantime, thank you for your interest and support and enjoy the 2nd Freetown Film Festival 2008!

Film Index

cottontree — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 16:07:01 CDT

This is a list of all known films that have been made in Sierra Leone or by Sierra Leoneans, to date. This list includes shorts and features, (whether drama, documentary or other forms), but excludes music videos.

N.B. If you know of any titles that should be included, or any information that should be added or corrected, please contact us.

*Title*	*Production* (All Sierra Leone unless otherwise stated)
Aminata	2008
Bad Friends, Mere Poison
Bai Bureh Goes To War
Blood Diamonds	Sierra Leone/Nigeria, 2004
Blood of the Country Virgin
Broken Calabash	Post-Production
Conflict: Zam Zam Bora	2008
Cry Freetown	UK, 2000
Deadly Promise (Pts 1 & 2)	2007
Deception	2005
Desperate Sacrifice (Pts 1& 2)	2007
Eagle Eyes (Pts 1 & 2)	2007
Facing The Hurricane	2006
Fo Sae Monee Nar Satan	1998
Forbidden Lovers
Fragile Love
Garden Of Lies	2006
Ingrate
Innocent Blood	1995
Hawa	1995
Hole in the Wall	2005
King Of The Stalls
Last Chance For Peace	USA, 2000
Lion Mountains	UK, 2006
Live and Let Live
Love and Tradition	1997
Love, Lust and Dust
Lulu
Man Dem Nor Glad'O	UK, 2006
Mysterious Death	2006
Nuyagua of Panguma	Pre-production
Nightmare In Paradise	1993
No Place To Hide
Off To America	1995
Only For Love
Out For Survival
Outcast	2005
Pissabed Woman En Tiff Woman Ousman Beteh	1997
Proposal (The)	Post-production
Refugee All Stars (The)	USA, 2005
Return of the Angry Women	2007
Ritualism: Blood for Power (Pts 1 & 2)	2008
Rocky Reconciliation	2007
Ronkuth Wa Maborthirr (‘Bitterness Of Love’) (Pts1 & 2)	2008
Sebatu's Initiation	2005
Scars	2005
Sooner or Later	2008
Street Life	2006
Struggle For Matrimony	2005
Sunrise In Paradise	1994
Through My Eyes	Sierra Leone/UK, 2006
Toy Gun	Sierra Leone/UK, 2006
Tree Of Life	2006
Trust Alone	2006
Undercover Cop: Force For Good	2006
Victims	2005
Village Sacrifice
Waiting For Change	Sierra Leone/UK, 2006
Wambone En Dem Piken	1995
What It Takes	2007
Why Marry Me Twice	2008

FFF 2007 - Programme

cottontree — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 07:33:57 CDT

Friday, 16th March
09.00	Doors open
09.30	Prayers, Welcome
09.45	Introduction to Freetown Film Festival
10.00	Presentation of whitepaper: Putting Sierra Leone in the Picture
10.15	Audience Feedback
11.00	Break
11.15	Recommendations
11.45	Closing remarks and thanks
12.00	Close
13.00	Films from ScriptNet *Hole in the Wall, 2005 Toy Gun, 2005 King of the Stalls, 2005 Outcast, 2005 Scars, 2005 Victim*, 2005
14.30	Films from StoryLines *Through my Eyes, 2005 Waiting for Change*, 2005
15.00	Films from CafeSociety *Taxi*, 2005
16.00	*Tree of Life*, 2006
17.45	*Trust Alone*, 2007
19.15	*Out for Survival*, 2006
19.30	Break
21.30	Amistad, (USA), 1995
23.00	Finish

Saturday, 17th March
09.00	Doors open
09.30	Prayers, Welcome, Review
09.45	Intro: Industry Visions
10.00	Proposals
10.15	Audience Feedback
11.00	Break
11.15	Recommendations
11.45	Closing remarks and thanks
12.00	Close
13.00	Films from ScriptNet
14.00	Films from CafeSociety
15.00	*Wambone en Dem Piken*, 1998
18.00	*Blood Diamonds*, 2003
20.00	No Place to Hide, 2003
21.30	*Sebatu's Initiation*, 2005
23.00	Finish


Sunday, 18th March
10.00	Doors open
10.00	Doors open
10.15	Prayers, Welcome, Review
11.45	Closing Remarks and thanks
12.00	Close
13.00	*Live and Let Live,* 2005
15.00	*Deception*, 2005
17.00	*Blood of a Country Virgin*, 2006
19.00	Undercover Cop, 2006
21.00	*Blood Diamond*, (USA), 2007
22.30	Finish

N.B. Although this is the official programme schedule, there were necessary changes due to technical difficulties causing some films to be re-shown, and last-minute submissions which were screened nonetheless. This page will be updated to reflect those changes to schedule as soon as possible.

Freetown Film Festival

cottontree — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:05:54 CDT

Welcome to the Freetown Festival (FFF)!

For details of the current festival - 2nd Freetown Film Festival (2008) - please click here!

The Freetown Film Festival provides a unique annual showcase for Sierra Leone films and an insight into the tremendous growth of local filmmaking and its potential for the future. It provides everyone with a chance to gather together, to network and to meet with screen actors, filmmakers, production teams, corporate sponsors, film investors, and other relevant people.

Hold on! What is so important about film?
It is now widely acknowledged that film-making is an important part of the culture of all modern societies. In addition to its social contributions through education and entertainment, it directly benefits the economy in the form of employment, local and foreign currency revenues, and increased international awareness and tourism in the country. In post-war Sierra Leone, opportunities now exist for these social and economic potentials to be developed not only for the benefit of film-makers and audiences, but also for the benefit of the country's culture and economy as a whole.

Do Sierra Leoneans really make films?
Despite the recent war, and the challenging social environment, there are have been more than thirty feature length films completed by the country's struggling filmmakers in just the last ten years. Currently an average of at least 6 films a year are being produced.

But why don't people get a chance to see them?
Sierra Leone films do not yet have the fame and popularity of work from other African countries, mainly because of a lack of appropriate promotion and distribution. Consequently, there has been a lack of knowledge and demand on the part of audiences. That is why the Freetown Film Festival is probably the most important step to be taken in recent years to give recognition to the body of films being made by Sierra Leonean talent. The Freetown Film Festival is the first and only such event officially recognised internationally for acknowledging and celebrating the work of the country's filmmakers. It is a unique window on the emergence of 'Sollywood' - Sierra Leone's own rapidly developing film production sector.

How will the Festival benefit filmmakers?
The Festival provides filmmakers with a unique opportunity for formal exposure and professional recognition; to come together and see their own work and that of their professional peers; to meet and network in a cinema environment; and to be seen and acknowledged by local audiences. Furthermore, by generating audience and professional interest alike, it paves the way for the possibility of further screenings internationally, as well as for future sales from both local and international markets.

And what about benefits for local audiences?
The Freetown Film Festival provides audiences with a unique opportunity to learn about, and see, some of the many films made by Sierra Leoneans over the years, including rare early films. There will be opportunities to meet and talk with many of the filmmakers, actors and other professionals and offer them compliments, criticisms, or other feedback and suggestions... The Freetown Film Festival gives audiences a chance to find out more about our country's newly emerging industry and how we can all support, it for the benefit of Sierra Leone.

Great. How can I attend or submit my films to the Freetown Film Festival?
Further Information on the current film festival can be obtained from the link at the top of this page.

Click here for details of how to submit your film.

The Freetown Film Festival is part of a varied series of initiatives and projects created and implemented by the Sierra Leone National Film Workshop. The Sierra Leone National Film Workshop is a local, non-profit making organisation working with local film-makers and local as well as international organisations to encourage and support the development of local film-making in Sierra Leone.