By Vaye A. Lepolu
Liberian film producers and DSTV content creators are calling on President Joseph N. Boakai to support the growth of the country’s movie industry through policy reforms and budgetary allocations. The appeal, led by former Liberia Movie Industry president Frank Artus, highlights the need for government intervention to address challenges within the sector and promote Liberia’s cultural heritage.
In an exclusive interview, Frank Artus emphasized the importance of President Boakai’s involvement in revitalizing the industry. He urged the president to prioritize policies that create job opportunities for young Liberians and encourage the Legislative branch to allocate funds specifically for the movie industry. “Once we secure a budget, the industry can elevate to another level, enriching Liberia’s culture and creating sustainable employment,” Artus stated.
Artus also stressed the need for the Copyright Office to be financially independent rather than relying on the national budget. He argued that the entity should generate its own funding through activities such as regulating the film market, promoting local content, and protecting intellectual property rights. “If the government removes the Copyright Office from the national budget line, it can become self-sustaining. This will enable it to regulate the market effectively and ensure filmmakers are compensated for their work,” he explained.
During his tenure as president of the Liberia Movie Industry, Artus revealed that his administration focused on protecting intellectual property rights, which they believed would create thousands of jobs for filmmakers and related professionals. “We were fighting to protect intellectual rights because we knew it would generate employment for approximately 10,000 filmmakers and other Liberians. This was our key priority,” he said.
Artus also highlighted efforts to regulate the quality of films produced in Liberia, ensuring they meet public consumption standards. He noted that when filmmakers are paid for their work, they take their craft more seriously, leading to higher-quality productions. “If filmmakers are compensated, they will prioritize promoting Liberian content because it becomes their livelihood. I make movies to put food on my table and send my children to school. I don’t take it lightly,” he added.
The veteran actor and producer called on the government to prioritize Liberian content over foreign films. He argued that the dominance of foreign movies on local television stations and markets is eroding Liberia’s cultural identity. “If you go to Ghana, you’ll find their local content everywhere. But in Liberia, our markets are flooded with foreign films. How do we promote our own culture if we don’t prioritize it?” Artus questioned.
Artus urged the government to mandate local television stations to prioritize Liberian movies. He warned that the continued consumption of foreign content is influencing younger generations to adopt foreign cultures, which could have long-term effects on Liberia’s societal values. “Our children are growing up watching Ghanaian and Nigerian movies, and it’s influencing their behavior, marriages, and way of life. We need to prioritize our own content to preserve our culture,” he emphasized.
The call for government support comes as Liberian filmmakers strive to improve the quality of local productions and compete on the international stage. Artus expressed optimism that with the right policies and funding, the Liberian movie industry can thrive and contribute significantly to the country’s cultural and economic development.
