-Call for Enhanced Government and Private Sector Engagement
By Vaye A. Lepolu
In a concerted effort to uplift the Liberian movie industry, the Department of DSTV Content Creation has partnered with local film producers to elevate the status of Liberian films nationwide. Recognizing that the film industry is not only a creative outlet but also a vital source of income for actors and filmmakers, stakeholders are advocating for increased involvement from both the government and private sectors.
Madam Mary Williams, General Manager of DSTV Local Content Creation, emphasized the urgent need for government support, particularly in strengthening Liberia’s copyright laws to protect the interests of filmmakers and musicians. She also called for the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism to enhance its initiatives aimed at promoting Liberian films in the market.
“The success of film industries in other countries is largely attributed to robust government and private sector involvement,” Williams stated. “By investing in the film sector, we can also boost tourism and create job opportunities for our youth, ultimately benefiting communities and the nation as a whole.”
The collaboration aims to serve as a vital platform for discussing the myriad challenges and opportunities facing the film industry in Liberia. By rallying support from government officials, private investors, and media partners, the initiative seeks to empower filmmakers, nurture emerging talent, and foster a vibrant film culture.
“We invite all stakeholders from the film industry, government, and private sectors to join us in this endeavor,” Williams urged. “Together, we can cultivate meaningful dialogue that propels the film industry forward and ensures that filmmakers have the resources they need to succeed.”
In this collaborative effort, DSTV’s Williams is joined by prominent figures in the Liberian film sector, including Mr. Gardea Mayon, CEO of Konon Media Group, and former Liberia Movie Union leader Eddie Gibson. They collectively highlighted several pressing challenges facing the industry, including the prevalence of foreign cultural influences, a lack of focus on authentic Liberian narratives, and insufficient market promotion for local films.
Gibson pointed out that opening a market for Liberian films and encouraging local actors to portray authentic Liberian stories are crucial steps toward overcoming these challenges. He stressed the need for a concerted effort to promote local talent and narratives in film production.
Mayon echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the necessity of private and public sector investment in the movie industry. He noted that successful film industries worldwide thrive on robust private sector support, which fosters healthy competition and innovation.
“The Liberian film industry suffers from a lack of financial backing for promoting local films,” Mayon lamented. “While the government tends to focus on political activities, it is essential to recognize the film industry as a significant contributor to the nation’s growth and development.”
In addition to their collaborative efforts, DSTV and its partners are launching a weekly radio program dedicated to exploring various facets of film production. Each episode will feature interviews with industry professionals, covering topics such as funding sources, production logistics, capacity building, and marketing strategies. The program will also highlight how government initiatives can support filmmakers and encourage Liberians to embrace and support local cinema.
The initiative aims to:
1.Educate: Provide insights into the film production process for aspiring filmmakers and the general public.
2.Advocate: Highlight the importance of government and private support through grants, incentives, and training programs.
3.Connect: Foster a community of filmmakers, industry professionals, and government officials to encourage collaboration and dialogue.
4.Inspire: Showcase success stories of filmmakers who have navigated production challenges, demonstrating how government assistance can enhance the filmmaking process.
