By Ibrahim S. Bangura
The Sierra Leone Film Council (SLFC), the body responsible for promoting Sierra Leone’s film industry, has announced that electricity will soon be supplied to Mokamba Village in the Western Rural District as part of efforts to support national development and the growth of the creative sector.
Mokamba, widely regarded as one of the country’s most important rural film locations, has for years hosted local and international productions despite the absence of stable electricity. Filmmakers have often relied on generators, solar lamps, and improvised lighting, leading to high production costs, frequent delays, and limited shooting hours.
Speaking on the development, SLFC President Aiah Momoh described the power connection as a strategic step toward strengthening the nation’s film industry and improving the welfare of host communities. “For too long, the lack of electricity in Mokamba has affected film production and placed unnecessary burdens on both filmmakers and residents. This intervention reflects our commitment to building an enabling environment for creative work. With electricity coming in March, Mokamba will no longer be left behind in the growth of our film industry,” he said.
Momoh noted that the SLFC views Mokamba not just as a filming location, but as a cultural asset with the potential to become a permanent film village supporting training, production, and community development. He added that access to electricity would help attract more productions, improve technical quality, and encourage investment in the local creative economy. “With reliable power, filmmakers can work without interruption, plan better schedules, and reduce costs. At the same time, residents will experience improved living conditions, access to information, and new economic opportunities,” he said.
Residents of Mokamba Village have expressed optimism about the announcement, describing it as a turning point for the community. Local resident Mariama Kamara said electricity would transform daily life in the village. “We are happy because this is something we have been waiting for. When film crews come, the village becomes busy, but at night everything is dark. With electricity, our children can study, businesses can grow, and we will feel more connected to the rest of the country,” Kamara said.
Another villager, Alhaji Sorie Conteh, emphasized the economic benefits the power supply could bring. “Film productions help us a lot. People rent rooms, buy food, and hire young men and women from the village. If there is electricity, more filmmakers will come and stay longer, and that will improve our livelihoods,” he said.
The SLFC stated that the Mokamba power project aligns with its broader mandate to decentralize film production and integrate culture into national development. The council has urged filmmakers, community leaders, and partners to continue supporting initiatives that strengthen the industry at both urban and rural levels.
As preparations continue ahead of the March 2026 connection, the announcement has sparked renewed confidence among creatives and residents alike, with many viewing the move as a clear signal that Sierra Leone’s film industry is steadily moving from survival to sustainable growth.