By Precious D. Freeman
The fourth edition of the popular radio show Behind the Scenes brought together entertainment industry leaders from Liberia, Nigeria, and Norway to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Liberian filmmaking and movie promotion.
Hosted by DSTV Content Manager Mary Williams, alongside co-hosts Eddie Gibson and Gardea Menyon, the episode featured a distinguished lineup of guests, including Faleye Akinlolu, Director and Head of Operations at Prime Cinema Liberia; Bolaji Omigbire, Business Manager of Prime Cinema; Prof. Oystein Jensen, Professor Emeritus at the University of Stavanger, Norway; and Liberia’s Acting Arts and Culture Ambassador, Kekulah Kamarah.
The discussion focused on sustainable strategies for film promotion, investment challenges, and the role of cultural institutions in strengthening Liberia’s creative sector.
Faleye Akinlolu of Prime Cinema Liberia emphasized the need for a structured and long-term approach to movie promotion.
He pointed out that in successful film markets like Nigeria, films remain in theaters for months rather than being shown for a single premiere night.
“If we apply this model in Liberia, it will create a more sustainable industry, allowing filmmakers to generate steady income while building a strong connection with audiences,” Akinlolu said.
He also encouraged film producers to involve sponsors and key industry stakeholders before making films available to the general public, noting that Prime Cinema offers flexible screening arrangements for reputable filmmakers.
Mary Williams raised concerns about the financial risks discouraging investment in Liberia’s film industry.
She questioned how local producers could be encouraged to take creative risks when distribution platforms remain limited.
In response, Akinlolu stressed that marketing plays a crucial role in a film’s success.
“Filmmakers must ensure their movies resonate with Liberians. Rushing a premiere without proper promotion limits its impact. At Prime Cinema, we use our platforms to help advertise upcoming films,” he explained.
Acting Arts and Culture Ambassador Kekulah Kamarah highlighted the urgent need for policies to guide and support Liberia’s arts and film sectors.
Drawing comparisons to Nigeria and Ghana, he stressed that clear regulations and structured policies have helped those countries achieve success in the entertainment industry.
“We must establish policies that protect and promote our artists. Without structured guidelines, the industry will continue to struggle,” Kamarah stated.
Kamarah also shared his passion for cultural preservation, citing his leadership in launching an annual cultural festival dedicated to celebrating Liberian artists.
Prof. Oystein Jensen, a longtime advocate for cultural development in Liberia, expressed optimism about the ongoing efforts to revitalize the Basao Cultural Center.
He recalled his previous attempt in 2007 to secure funding for its reconstruction, which failed due to lack of government support.
However, he now sees renewed political interest in restoring the center as a hub for artistic and cultural expression.
“With proper planning and collaboration, we can transform Basao into a vital part of Liberia’s cultural landscape,” Jensen noted.
As Behind the Scenes continues to highlight Liberia’s creative industries, the discussions from this episode underscore the pressing need for policy reforms, structured movie distribution, and increased investment in cultural institutions.
With strategic planning, industry-wide collaboration, and government support, Liberia’s film industry has the potential to thrive and gain recognition on the global stage.
