We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zainab Sillah a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Zainab, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

As an actress and film producer in Sierra Leone and Africa, one might hope my legacy would encompass a number of impactful elements:

1. Cultural Representation: By showcasing authentic African stories, ways and cultures, they might aim to bridge gaps in global understanding, promoting a richer appreciation of Sierra Leonean and African narratives.

2. Empowerment of Emerging Artists: Creating opportunities for young and aspiring filmmakers and actors who could be a cornerstone of their legacy, helping to nurture talent and foster a vibrant creative community.

3. Social Change: Through powerful storytelling, they might hope to address social issues, raise awareness about challenges faced by communities, and inspire change.

4. International Collaboration: Fostering partnerships between African filmmakers and international industries could help elevate African cinema on the global stage and break down stereotypes.

5. Sustainable Film Industry: Contributing to building a sustainable film infrastructure in Sierra Leone and the broader region, including training programs, production facilities, and financial support for local projects.

6. Inspiration and Role Modeling: As a prominent figure in the arts, i wish to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams in the creative field and advocate for the importance of arts and culture in society.

Overall, the hope would be to leave a lasting impact not just in film but on the broader societal, cultural, and economic landscapes of Sierra Leone and Africa.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

Born in Makeni, the fifth city of Sierra Leone, i grew up enchanted by the history told by my elders. Every day, i wonder how intriguing our ancient and modern history has envelope Africa for so long as i listen to tales filled with our rich cultural experience, Knowledge and heritage. Captivated by our excellence to stand out and succeed as a beacon of knowledge, i always infuse myself to the time i will be able to be part of the beacons that will light our country and continent.

As a teenager in Freetown, the capital city, i discovered i have the talent to Rap and mime. Due to that, i tried to explore both. My elder sister was an actress, one day, i followed her to rehearsals, and that’s how i began to explore my talent for acting. It was there that i realized the transformative power of storytelling. Acting became an outlet for me to express my emotions and connect with others, allowing me to share my own experiences while shedding light on the complexities of life in my community.

After becoming famous from my first movie titled “GINA”, produced by Mercy movies production, i became the most sort after actor within the anglophone countries in the manor river union. However, as i continued to pursue my passion, i recognized a significant challenge within the entertainment industry in Sierra Leone and the wider African continent: the lack of diverse narratives that genuinely represented our culture, history, knowledge and heritage. Instead of getting discouraged, i resolved to become not only an actress but also a producer, aiming to create authentic content that spoke to the heart of African experiences.

In 2015 i travelled to Ghana and Nigeria, to collaborate and also understand and formed connections with filmmakers, writers, actors, producers and investors who shared the same vision of telling the world our story, in our own way.

Armed with knowledge and determination, i returned to Sierra Leone with a mission: to create a platform for storytelling that would empower aspiring actors, writers, and filmmakers. i and my team founded SPECTREE MULTIMEDIA LIMITED, which birth the award winning films like ROPOLI, INTERTWINE (Tv Series) and WHERE LIES THE TRUTH. Dedicated to developing culturally rich films and documentaries that showcased the beauty and history of Sierra Leonean life, addressing social issues, and inspiring resilience.

My journey wasn’t without challenges. There was a constant struggle for funding, and the industry was saturated with stereotypes that needs to be enlightened and emancipated. Yet, with each project, i was beginning to see a shift. Audiences responded positively, and my films sparked conversations about identity, history, and hope.

My work began gaining traction across Africa, earning us recognition and forging collaborations with other talented artists. I held workshops for young creatives, encouraging them to share their stories and pursue their dreams. As i began to see the fruits of my labor, i became a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring actors and creatives, particularly young women in my country, showing them that their voices and visions mattered. My mission was not only to become a great actress and producer but to ensure that the rich tapestry of African stories was celebrated on every screen, empowering future generations to dream boldly and tell their own stories.

Discipline in the creative industry, especially as an actress and film producer in Sierra Leone and Africa, encompasses several key elements that shape both professional and personal growth.

1. Time Management
As an actress and film producer, managing time efficiently is crucial. Film projects often have tight schedules, requiring the ability to balance multiple roles, from rehearsing to production meetings. This teaches the importance of sticking to deadlines and prioritizing tasks, which is vital in ensuring that projects move forward smoothly.

2. Adaptability
The creative landscape in Africa can be unpredictable due to varying resources, budgets, and production environments. Successful professionals in this field develop the ability to adapt to unforeseen challenges, whether it’s a change in script, an unavailability of a location, or logistical issues. This flexibility fosters resilience and creative problem-solving skills.

3. Collaboration
Filmmaking is inherently collaborative, involving a range of professionals from writers to cinematographers to editors. An effective actress or producer must cultivate strong interpersonal skills. Building good relationships and establishing a network that can lead to better project outcomes, shared ideas, and mutual support.

4. Continuous Learning
The creative industries are constantly evolving with new technologies, storytelling methods, and trends. Discipline here means committing to ongoing education—whether through workshops, online courses, or staying updated with industry standards. This dedication enhances one’s craft and keeps skills relevant.

5. Passion and Perseverance
A strong passion for storytelling drives the discipline of actors and producers. The creative journey is often filled with setbacks—rejections, funding challenges, or project failures. Perseverance is essential; it involves maintaining motivation and commitment even when faced with difficulties.

6. Cultural Sensitivity
Film and acting in Sierra Leone and Africa require a deep understanding of local narratives and cultural contexts. It’s disciplined work to research and authentically represent stories, ensuring respect for traditions and perspectives while appealing to both local and international audiences.

In summary, the type of discipline harnessed as an actress and film producer in Sierra Leone is multifaceted, involving time management, adaptability, collaboration, continuous learning, perseverance, and cultural sensitivity. These aspects not only contribute to successful creative projects but also foster personal growth, shaping a resilient and innovative professional.

Can you tell us the story behind how you met your business partner?

There is always a smirk whenever i reflect on how i met my business partner Joseph Fiamaple, in Accra, Ghana, I was immersed in the vibrant creative scene, attending auditions and visiting shooting sets. It was there I met Joseph, a dynamic filmmaker with a passion for telling African stories. We bonded over our shared desire to harness the power of innovation to drive positive change in West Africa.

As we exchanged ideas, I learned about Joseph’s vision for travelling and investing into multimedia agency, so I shared my own aspirations for utilizing digital platforms to showcase local talents. We both recognized a significant gap in the market: a need for quality and true African representation in story telling and multimedia services that could amplify the voices of creatives in our regions. Our connection was instant, and we decided to collaborate.

However, the challenge soon arose: Joseph was hesitant to consider Sierra Leone as a potential location for our business operations. He had heard stories of the country’s turbulent past and concerns about infrastructure. Determined to convince him, I had a plan.

Knowing his love for travelling and bathing in the beauty of African landscape and recreational areas, I embarked on a journey to put together Sierra Leone’s breathtaking beauty in landscape and pristine beaches and the lush greenery of the mountains, each scene more stunning than the last. After hovering all over my contacts in Sierra Leone, my phone was filled with pictures that changed our life.

After arming myself with the beauty of Sierra Leone in soft copies, I excitedly met him for a short chat . As we chatted about films, I pulled out my Phone and began to show Joe the images I had. The photos came to life on the screen: the powdery sands of Freetown, the vibrant colors of local crafts, and the serene landscapes that could be the perfect backdrop for multimedia storytelling.

I spoke passionately about the immense potential of Sierra Leone for business and creativity. “This is not just a place with challenges; it’s a land filled with untold stories and stunning visuals just waiting to be shared with the world,” I said.

Joseph’s eyes widened as he scrolled through the pictures, his skepticism slowly melting away. “I never knew Sierra Leone was this beautiful,” he admitted. We discussed the possibilities: a multimedia hub that could not only produce remarkable content but also foster local talent. His initial reservations faded as he began to envision the impact we could make together.

Ultimately, the combination of stunning visuals and our shared vision ignited Joseph’s enthusiasm. After 3 months, we made arrangements to explore Sierra Leone together, cementing our partnership and setting the foundation for a multimedia venture that would highlight the beauty and creativity of both nations. We produced our first film titled ROPOLI; A film that changed the narrative of Sierra Leone filmmaking and visual quality.

And so, our journey began, driven by passion, creativity, and the stunning landscapes that first opened Joseph’s eyes to the incredible opportunities that awaited us in Sierra Leone

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

During the shooting of our first independent film project “ROPOLI”, under our production company SPECTREE FILM PRODUCTION, where I donned the dual hats of producer and lead actress, I encountered an unexpected twist that required a major pivot. The film was a poignant drama exploring themes of slavery, culture, heritage, loss and recovery, and I had envisioned it as a powerful piece that would resonate with audiences.

As the producer, I was deeply involved in every aspect, from securing funding to coordinating the schedule. A few hours into production, however, we faced a major setback: Our welfare/cook had to leave the project due to an unexpected family emergency. With the rest of the crew already invested, I had to make a difficult decision to step into the welfare/cook role.

After an intensive discussion with my director, i gathered the team and openly communicated the situation. Nervous but determined, I proposed that while I would take the helm as welfare, I would also continue to act in the lead role. This meant restructuring our rehearsal process and filmmaking strategy. I encouraged collaboration, inviting feedback and suggestions from the cast and crew to ensure that everyone felt valued in the creative and welfare process.

The transition was challenging. Balancing the responsibilities of producing, welfare and acting required immense focus and energy. There were moments of self-doubt, with over 80 casts and crew; I questioned whether I could fulfill both roles without compromising the quality of my performances or the food. However, the team rallied around this new approach, and we all worked hard to support each other.

Through improvisation and a shared commitment to the project, we not only overcame the challenges but also discovered a newfound camaraderie. This experience allowed me to explore the depths of my character more intimately, as I understood the nuances of each scene from a perspective while still embodying the role.

When the film was finally completed, it turned out to be more than I had originally envisioned. It was a true testament to resilience and collaboration. The audience response was overwhelmingly positive, and while the journey was bumpy, it taught me invaluable lessons in adaptability, teamwork, and the power of collective creative energy.

In the end, what started as a simple independent film blossomed into a richly layered narrative, a product of both the pivot in roles and the unwavering spirit of everyone involved

Contact Info:

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