During the 2022 Africa Film Festival in South Korea, His Excellency Kathos Jibao Mattai, Head of Mission of the Republic of Sierra Leone Embassy in Seoul, South Korea has applauded the government of South Korea for the tremendous gains they have made in the Film Sector and also used the opportunity to reiterate the call to strengthen sustainable development cooperation between Africa and South Korea that would facilitate co- prosperity and improve the quality film from Africa.

He added that the film industry has over the years generated multi- billion dollar revenue across the world, especially in most Western and Asian Countries including the Republic of Korea. He added that, even though some African countries have also been striving to develop their respective film industry, but they are relatively lagging behind in terms of technology, innovation, skills, knowledge, manpower and financial support to produce quality films and movies that would be competitive in the global consumer market. He continued by stating that these shortfalls are indeed a constraint for Africa film makers and scriptwriters that have the potential to produce very good and interesting films that would be fascinating to the global film industry. Ambassador Mattai used the opportunity to reiterate the call to strengthen sustainable development cooperation between Africa and South Korea that would facilitate co-prosperity and improve the quality of life across Africa. He also championed the call for sustainable partnership between Africa and the government of South Korea for real and practical action that would promote exchange of ideas, innovation (Artificial Intelligence) and financial capacity of Africa film makers and scriptwriters. 

“Mr. Kim Ki-hwan, Director General of Culture & Sports Bureau, Busan Metropolitan City Amb. Lyeo Woon-ki, President of the Korea-Africa Foundation and Mr. Kim Jin-hae, President of Busan Cinema Center, thank you for your respective role in promoting global awareness on the readiness of Busan city for the ‘World Expo 2030’,” noted Ambassador Mattai, stating further that, it is possible for the film industry to play a vital role and would appreciate if the President of Busan Cinema Center, Mr. Kim Jin-hae and other reputable Korean companies, investors and stakeholders would take ‘real and practical action’ that would promote exchange of ideas, innovation (Artificial Intelligence) and financial capacity of Africa film makers and scriptwriters. He draws the attention of the audience to the historical drama film on Sierra Leone like the “Amistad Revolt” that was produced in 1997 by Steven Spielberg and also other reputable film makers/actors with Sierra Leone heritage. He also mentioned reputable movies like the “2015 Beast of No Nation” movie. Ambassador Mattai also recognized the effort of a Sierra Leone born film maker Jimmy Bangura - a.k.a. Jimmy Bee), by stating that he started his musical career in South Africa but has been engaging as one of the pioneers in pursuit of establishing a film industry in Sierra Leone.

“It’s indeed a profound honor offering me the opportunity as the Republic of Sierra Leone Ambassador to the Republic of Korea to present remarks at this notable ‘2022 Africa Film Festival VIP Dinner,” noted Ambassador Mattai, adding by expressing his sincere thanks to the Mayor and Administration of Busan City for their splendid hospitality and ongoing effort to make Busan an ideal location to host the ‘World Expo 2030 ‘. He also used the opportunity to recognize other dignitaries that were present during the 

event.

Ambassador Mattai further lauded them for their contribution in attracting the Diplomatic Corps to Busan City and also facilitating awareness regarding the Busan ‘World Expo in 2030’.

Michaella Bonnie

Information Attache 

Embassy of Sierra Leone Seoul Korea