By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Freetown, March 24, 2026: The Sierra Leone Film Council (SLFC) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with FlickFunds Africa (SL) Ltd., in a move widely hailed as transformative for the country’s film industry. The agreement, formalized at a ceremony in Aberdeen, Freetown, is expected to reposition Sierra Leone’s creative sector as structured, investable, and globally competitive.
The event brought together filmmakers, policymakers, investors, and cultural stakeholders, underscoring its significance for the nation’s creative economy.
SLFC President Aiah Momoh described the MoU as a strategic milestone aligned with the Council’s vision of building a resilient and economically viable film industry. “This partnership creates an enabling environment where filmmakers can access opportunities, develop their skills, and compete effectively on the global stage,” Momoh said. He emphasized the Council’s focus on strengthening governance structures, developing industry policies, and fostering collaborations to enhance credibility and attract investment.
Director of FlickFunds Africa (SL), Sola Odeja, highlighted the importance of the collaboration, noting that it addresses long-standing gaps in Africa’s film industry. “Africa’s creative potential is undeniable, but potential alone is not enough. What is needed is structure, investment readiness, and access to markets. The Sierra Leone Film Council has shown strong leadership in this regard, making this partnership both timely and impactful,” Odeja stated.
Under the agreement, FlickFunds Africa will provide filmmakers with access to funding, professional training, certification, and global distribution channels. A major component of the MoU includes structured film business education and investment readiness programs, equipping creatives with knowledge in project development, financing, production management, and distribution strategies.
The partnership will also establish a continental database of certified filmmakers, aimed at improving transparency, standardization, and investor confidence. Stakeholders believe this will make Sierra Leone’s film sector more attractive to both local and international investors.
For years, the industry has struggled with limited funding, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of formal training systems. The signing of this MoU signals a decisive shift toward addressing these challenges through strategic planning and collaboration.
Dorrah Tucker, President of the Eastern Film Agency, welcomed the agreement, describing it as “a bold and necessary step toward unlocking the economic potential of the creative sector.”
The MoU is expected to attract investment, create jobs, and enhance Sierra Leone’s visibility in the global film industry. With strong institutional backing and a clear strategic vision, the Sierra Leone Film Council is poised to lead the country’s film sector into a new era of growth and opportunity.