9rivermedia

For many years, Sierra Leonean-made movies have lagged behind their West African neighbors. But movie productions are taking hold in Freetown once more, especially in local communities like Calaba Town. One reason filmmaking slowed down was that almost everything collapsed during the war.  Another problem was the absence of experts. There were few people ready to nurse young talent with initiative or creativity for movies. Most of the people who are actors, actresses, and, directors have never had any real experience. They just felt the urge and started up with what they had. Now, experts are available on shooting movies, sound recording and reproduction, editing, and screening, all helping Sierra Leonean moviemakers reach their peak. The government is also helping to boost the entertainment industry. Filmmakers in Sierra Leone are collaborating with partners in Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria. Many a time, production teams come to Freetown to do movies. Similarly, producti...

Every year, we celebrate Valentine's Day with people we love and care for. This year is no different. In Freetown, some schoolgirls picked Valentine's day gifts at school to give to friends and loved ones. Many young people had plans to go out with their pals and best mates. A few of them told me how they're spending Valentine’s Day. Esther Penyikie is spending Valentine's day with her boyfriend, Charlie, who she met last week. She said she chose Charlie as her Valentine because she knows he would make her day special. They went to dinner at the Hilltop Fast Food restaurant.  Abigail Smith decided to spend Valentine’s Day with her friend, Isha Bah (in blue Al-Amira). Abigail said that Isha is a true friend. They went on a school picnic during the day to celebrate their friendship. Adama Gbla said she's staying home. She has no Valentine so she is not going out. "I always find peace and comfort at home," she said. Nassiru Kabba...

Santigi Kalorkoh is a young father with a three-year-old daughter. Her mother died during childbirth. Santigi is a student in high school, and he works with a bike taxi service. Santigi makes about 50,000 Leones a day ferrying passengers on weekends. Santigi and his daughter live with his mother and stepfather. He doesn't pay rent, but whatever money he raises is used to pay school fees, take care of his daughter, and the rest is put aside to cover his five-year Okada license, which costs about 500,000 Leones. Santigi is sure that his daughter will have a good life because, by the time he finishes school, he would be doing big things. Kadiatu Sesay is a hairdresser raising an eight-year-old son, Benjamin. Her husband walked out on the family five years ago and she receives no child support. Kadi and Ben live in one room. She earns about 400,000 Leones each month. Her housing takes up more than half of her income, and the other half goes on food. A cup of rice costs about 1500 Leo...