Sierra Leonean actor, Desmond Finney has been crowned Best Foreign Actor at this year’s Special Movie Awards in The Gambia.
The maiden awards ceremony was organised by Affrinity Production at the Coco Hotel Resort in Banjul on 30 September, and celebrated filmmakers across the continent were in attendance. It attracted guests from South Africa, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Britain.
Two other Sierra Leoneans were also awarded: Mamud Jalloh of AYV TV won Best Editor and Collins Archie Pierce won Best Foreign Movie for Ibu in Sierra Leone.
Presenting the award to Mr Finney, Sierra Leone’s Ambassador to The Gambia, Sullay Daramy said he was not surprised because of “the excellent work Mr. Finney has been doing in the African film industry”.
Finney expressed appreciation to Affrinity Production, the African Movie industry and the leadership and people of the Gambia for this recognition and pledged to continue his quest to put his country and the African continent on the world stage in the realm of movies.
Speaking to Politic, Finney urged the government and the private sector to support the film industry in Sierra Leone.
He said thus: “My thoughts as I stood on that stage was that I wish the recognition given to me in another country thus pointing the spotlight on the movie industry in Sierra Leone would let all movie makers in Sierra Leone realise that it is not just about us and a celebrity lifestyle but our work in the industry should uplift the Sierra Leone industry, attract support from government and the private sector and unite us all to compete at the highest level in our craft” .
Over 24 awards were also doled out to Gambian filmmakers.
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