The European Union Delegation in Sierra Leone recently concluded its annual film festival, spotlighting domestic violence against women. Held from November 11th to 24th, 2024, at Freetown’s New City Hall, the event attracted actors, filmmakers, and key stakeholders under the theme “United to End Violence Against Women and Girls.”
Through films like Clash of Era, Everybody Loves Touda, and My Rights, My Life, the festival highlighted survivors’ stories and the societal need to address gender-based violence. This initiative supports the EU’s broader mission to promote gender equality and cultural dialogue.
EU Chargé d’Affaires Emilio Rossetti stressed the power of storytelling in driving social change, while UNFPA’s Nadia Rasheed highlighted Sierra Leone’s alarming domestic violence statistics, noting six in ten women have experienced abuse. She called for breaking the silence and stronger collective action to combat violence.
The festival also offered Sierra Leonean filmmakers valuable networking and training opportunities. Filmmaker Barber Sesay praised the event, noting its potential to elevate local cinema. Actor Alice Hawa Sesay found the festival’s films thought-provoking and inspiring for her career growth.
As the festival ended, the message was clear: domestic violence is preventable, and storytelling can be a powerful tool for change. With continued collaboration between local and international partners, Sierra Leone moves closer to ending violence against women.
