Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. The Government of Sierra Leone has officially approved the National Film Policy 2025, a comprehensive framework designed to professionalize and grow the country’s film industry into a major contributor to the national economy.
Championed by the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, the policy establishes the first legal and institutional structure to regulate and promote the sector. The approval empowers the ministry to pursue the necessary legislation for full implementation.
The policy outlines several key initiatives, including the creation of a National Film Fund to finance productions and training, tax incentives to attract investment, and a Single-Window Permit System to streamline the approval process for filmmakers. It also includes plans for a Film City, regional training institutes, and mobile cinemas to expand access nationwide.
To oversee the sector, the policy establishes a Film and Video Censorship Directorate under the Independent Media Commission (IMC). It also creates new bodies such as the National Council for Movie Makers – Sierra Leone (NCMMSL) and the Sierra Leone Institute of Film and Media Studies for professional training.
Minister Chernor Bah hailed the approval as a “new dawn” for the industry. “After years of setbacks and delays, we’ve reached a new dawn for Sierra Leone’s film industry,” Bah stated. “President Bio has given clear direction to move boldly forward, and with Cabinet’s authority, we are ready to turn decades of dreams into action.”
The government anticipates the policy will create thousands of jobs, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Sierra Leone’s cultural exports, positioning the country to benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for audiovisual content. The Ministry will now begin collaborating with partners to implement the policy.
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