(May 8, 2024, Monrovia, Liberia) The Journey Home Film Festival is proud to announce its much-anticipated 3rd Edition, under the theme “Telling Africa’s Stories: Boosting our Tourism Potential through Filmmaking.” Set to take place from June 19th through June 22nd, 2024, this four-day cinematic extravaganza aims to spotlight captivating narratives from Liberia and the African Diaspora.
In partnership with the Diaspora Office at the Ministry of State Without Portfolio, and collaboration with Paynesville City Hall and the Liberia National Tourism Association (LINTA), the festival endeavors to foster cultural exchange and appreciation through the art of filmmaking. The event will bring together filmmakers, industry experts, and enthusiasts from across the globe to celebrate diverse voices and narratives.
Minister Mamaka Bility, the Minister of State Without Portfolio, expresses enthusiasm for the festival’s mission, emphasizing its role in strengthening ties between Liberia and its diasporic communities.
“The Journey Home Film Festival serves as a platform for showcasing the richness and diversity of African storytelling, bridging continents and cultures,” he said.
Mr. Varfin Donzo, Head of President’s Delivery Unit and the Diaspora Office at the Ministry of State Without Portfolio, echoes this sentiment, highlighting the festival’s significance in promoting cultural heritage and creativity.
This year’s festival proudly welcomes esteemed guests, including legendary Nollywood actor and producer, Richard Mofe Damijo (RMD). The judging panel comprises of seasoned filmmakers such as Nollywood’s Desmond Elliot and Van Vicker, along with Hollywood’s legendary actor Mr. John Amos, award winning actress Saycon Sengbloh, ace producer Attika Torrence, and a host of others.
Dr. Clarice Ford-Kulah, one of the festival’s organizers and Executive Director, underscores the event’s focus on unlocking Liberia’s tourism potential through innovative storytelling techniques, which is directly aligned with President Joseph N. Boakai’s ARREST Agenda.
“Our aim is to showcase the best in Liberian and Diaspora cinema, offering audiences a window into diverse experiences and perspectives,” says Dr. Ford-Kulah.
Referencing what Liberia has to offer, Dr. Kulah added the country is a filmmaker’s choice destination.
“With the country’s rainforests and conservation zones, cityscapes, pristine beaches, waterfalls, and majestic mountains, Liberia is the next hub for filmmaking in Africa. In addition, filmmaking in Liberia means a boost to the economy and employment for Liberians,” she said.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature workshops and master classes taught by some of the industry’s best, panel discussions, and a drive-in cinema showcasing the African and Liberian way of life.
The festivities kick off with a two-day screening of both local and international short and feature films at the Paynesville City Hall (June 19th and 20th ), with a drive-in movie night at ERA Supermarket (June 19th Evening), followed by a filmmaker’s workshop at the EJS Ministerial Complex (June 21st ), and a special Juneteenth screening of the 2022 theatrical sensation “Till,” a biographical drama about the African American experience (EJS Ministerial Complex, June 21st ). The film is based on the true story of Mamie Till-Bradley, an educator and activist who pursued justice after the murder of her 14-year-old son Emmett Till in August of 1955.
The festival culminates with the Liberia Film Awards (LFA) on June 22nd (EJS Ministerial Complex), an evening of glitz and glamour celebrating excellence in filmmaking and honoring outstanding contributions to the industry. “Liberia Film Awards, with its 24 plus categories will glamorously celebrate the best of the best in filmmaking in Liberia and the African Diaspora through a ceremony that recognizes excellence in a variety of categories as our commitment to support Liberian and the African Diaspora cinema,” said Den Tut Rayay, one of the festival’s Executive Producers.
The Journey Home Film Festival is presented by the Journey Home Festival, Providence Preservation Foundation, and the Liberia Movie Union in partnership with Razzouk Brothers Inc, Ush Productions, Divine Entertainment, LINTA, Genesys Communications Consulting. and Irish Banky Arts.
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