By Nasratu Kargbo
The Bumpeh Bridge has been cited by Hollywood producers as a prospective site to shoot a movie titled, “The Bridge to Kono”. Hollywood Producers Ariel Leon and Michael Duff paid a courtesy visit to President Julius Maada Bio to express the prospects of using locations in Freetown, Bo and other parts of Sierra Leone by next year for their movie.
Speaking at State House on Monday 29th November 2021, Ariel Leon, owner and managing partner of The Roots Production Service, who also doubles as a producer, explained they have visited nearly fifty bridges in the country and that they are pleased to film on the Bumpeh Bridge in the southern part of the country. Leon added that they hope to film in different parts of Freetown, Bo and other sites around the country mid-2022. He said the team intends to visit potential filming locations as they set to film a movie called “The Bridge to Kono”.
The two producers, from a larger-than-life symbol of the entertainment business in the United States were in the country on behalf of the German movie director Werner Herzog who is said to be well-known for his works in the art of directing, producing, acting and screenwriting. Herzog is said to have produced more than 60 films.
Highlighting some of the benefits of having Hollywood shoot in Sierra Leone, Dr. Julius Spencer who led the team explained that this will create a huge opportunity for the country, noting that it would boost the tourism sector and lure more film makers to take the same venture. He explained that the producers were in the country to engage with stakeholders and authorities on the success of the project. Spencer also expressed appreciation to President Bio for receiving them.
President Bio in a short statement welcomed the team. He stated that he had been informed about the movie and guaranteed them of the government’s complete support to make the project successful. “My government will provide all the necessary documentation you may need to help make your work easier”, he said.
Copyright © Politico Online 01/12/21
