What We Do

The Sierra Leone National Film Film Workshop was created with just one key purpose; to help filmmakers make films. Around this purpose we have created a ‘nexus’ for meeting like-minded, supportive, creative people; gaining professional orientation, direction, and traction in the filmmaking arts; 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 development 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 local individuals and organisations in Sierra Leone, but also with international professional filmmakers and production companies. 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 sufficient income (all our income has so far come from our own pockets or from nominal fees or donations from international production groups), 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 Future

Unlike many non-profit organisations (NGOs) who despite grand promises and massive generously donated resources, fail to deliver or fulfil their commitments, the SL National Film 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 commitment, 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 expression, 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.