By Mackie M. Jalloh
Sierra Leone — June 9, 2026: The Federation of Allied Tourism Associations (FATA) has hosted a farewell dinner in honor of the FlickFunds Africa delegation from Nigeria, celebrating their contribution to Sierra Leone’s film industry and creative sector.
The event, held at Kabbanna Restaurant and Klub on Lumley Beach Road, brought together tourism operators, filmmakers, media professionals, government officials, and industry leaders. It marked the conclusion of weeks of engagement during which FlickFunds Africa trained and mentored more than 100 Sierra Leonean filmmakers, directors, producers, and actors.
In his welcome remarks, FATA Chairman John Donald Sandi emphasized the importance of collaboration between tourism and film, noting that both sectors can promote Sierra Leone’s image, create jobs, and drive economic growth. He described the partnership with FlickFunds Africa as a step toward positioning Sierra Leone as a leading sustainable tourism destination in West Africa.
Tourism advocate Ambassador Bangura praised institutions such as the Sierra Leone Film Council and FATA for their commitment to showcasing the country’s culture and heritage. He urged continued unity in preserving Sierra Leone’s identity through storytelling and creative expression.
Aiah Momoh, President of the Sierra Leone Film Council, commended FlickFunds Africa for providing valuable insights and opening new opportunities for filmmakers. He described the engagement as transformative for Sierra Leone’s creative industry.
Representing FlickFunds Africa, Barrister Musa Uwadia, Vice Chairman and Co-Founder, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to Sierra Leone, while Founder Wilson Chabututu delivered an inspiring address on the future of African filmmaking. Chabututu highlighted challenges such as limited financing and weak production structures but stressed that Africans must lead in telling authentic African stories. He revealed plans for a major film project showcasing Sierra Leone’s landscapes, culture, and people to regional and international audiences.
Sollywood President Marvin Jones praised the training for encouraging filmmakers to embrace Sierra Leone’s cultural identity as their competitive advantage. He expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen the industry’s future.
Delivering the keynote, Minister of Information and Civic Education Chernor Bah commended FATA for organizing the initiative and assured government support for the creative sector. He emphasized that Sierra Leone’s stories deserve to be told by Sierra Leoneans and hailed the collaboration as a step toward building a globally competitive film industry.
The evening concluded with optimism among stakeholders about the future of Sierra Leone’s film industry and the growing partnership between tourism and creative institutions.