Liberia’s film industry holds immense potential, but experts say it remains hampered by weak policies, limited investment, and an underdeveloped distribution system. 

During the fourth edition of the Behind the Scenes radio show on March 5, industry professionals from Liberia, Nigeria, and Norway came together to discuss concrete solutions to these challenges.

The episode, hosted by DSTV Content Manager for Consolidated Group Inc., Mary Williams, along with co-hosts Eddie Gibson and Gardea Menyon, featured a diverse panel of experts, 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, Kekura Malawala Kamara.

A major theme throughout the discussion was the urgent need for government policies that protect and promote Liberian filmmakers. Ambassador Kamara emphasized that Liberia’s creative sector lacks the structured support seen in other African film industries.

“Nigeria and Ghana have succeeded because they have policies in place that help support their filmmakers.” Kamara stated. “Liberia needs to follow suit. We cannot expect growth without the necessary regulatory framework.”

Kamara has been actively working to promote arts and culture in Liberia, including launching an annual cultural festival aimed at celebrating local artists and encouraging investment in the creative sector.

Beyond policy gaps, financial instability remains a significant obstacle. Many Liberian filmmakers struggle to secure funding due to limited distribution channels, making it difficult to guarantee a return on investment. Panelists agreed that a more structured approach to film promotion and marketing could help mitigate this issue.

Faleye Akinlolu stressed the importance of extended cinema runs to ensure that local films reach a wider audience.

“In Nigeria, a movie can remain in cinemas for one to two months, leaving only when audience interest wanes,” he explained. “If we implement this strategy in Liberia, it will create a more sustainable income for filmmakers and ensure that their movies reach a wider audience.”

Akinlolu also emphasized the importance of strategic premieres, suggesting that initial screenings should target sponsors and key stakeholders before opening to the general public. He noted that Prime Cinema already offers flexible deals to local producers, particularly those with established industry reputations.

Proper marketing was another key issue raised during the discussion. Mary Williams pointed out that many filmmakers rush to premiere their movies without investing in adequate promotion, limiting their chances of success.

“Promotion is key.” Akinlolu agreed. “Filmmakers must ensure their movies resonate with the local audience. Rushing a premiere in less than a month without adequate publicity will definitely limit success.“

Norwegian academic Prof. Oystein Jensen offered an international perspective, highlighting the importance of cultural institutions in sustaining an entertainment industry. He expressed optimism about the potential revival of the Be Sao Cultural Center, which he sees as a crucial space for fostering Liberian artistic expression.

“The Be Sao Cultural Center has incredible potential,” Jensen said. “With proper planning and collaboration, we can make the Be Sao Cultural Center a central hub for the arts in Liberia.”

The panelists concluded the discussion with a shared vision: for Liberia’s film industry to grow, it needs structured policies, stronger investment, and better distribution networks. The Behind the Scenes platform continues to play a vital role in amplifying these conversations, fostering greater engagement with Liberia’s creative economy, and pushing for lasting change in the sector.