Monrovia, Liberia – Mary Williams, the dynamic General Manager for Local Content at DSTV, is spearheading a transformative effort to revitalize Liberia’s emerging movie industry. Known for her political acumen, Williams has shifted her focus to the creative sector, using her leadership to tackle enduring challenges and propel Liberian cinema to new heights.
By Claudius T. Greene, Jr., contributing writer
Speaking on Monday, January 20, Williams highlighted the need for structural reform within the industry. “We’re trying to see how we can help the local industry, especially with movie production in Liberia,” she said. “I know people are used to me being in politics, but now I’m doing movies. The goal is to find ways to make the industry viable, attract attention to Liberian movies, and make them a source of pride for our people.”
Central to her strategy is the launch of a groundbreaking radio program titled Behind the Scenes, aimed at amplifying the voices of filmmakers, spotlighting their challenges, and engaging audiences. Williams described the initiative as a necessary step to penetrate Liberia’s “noisy political space” and carve out a distinct platform for the movie industry.
“We want Liberians to hear us, pay attention to Liberian movies, and eventually watch them,” she explained. “The industry has incredible potential, but it requires consistent visibility and investment to thrive.”
Williams also underscored the need to change societal perceptions of filmmaking in Liberia, where it is often viewed as a hobby or side pursuit. “In other countries, you can put ‘actor’ or ‘cinematographer’ in your passport because it’s a recognized profession. That’s what we’re striving for here—an industry that people take seriously, where careers in film are respected and lucrative.”
Beyond promoting movies, Behind the Scenes will serve as a platform to address industry issues, celebrate local talent, and advocate for systemic change. “In Liberia, our stars are politicians, but we need to make room for other stars: actors, directors, and producers. The industry needs funding and a robust ecosystem to create sustainable opportunities,” she added.
The initiative extends beyond radio, with plans to leverage print and social media to generate widespread attention. “We need a unified voice. By putting all this noise together and sustaining it, we’ll see change. Liberians love entertainment; it’s just about how we deliver it to them,” Williams noted.
Drawing inspiration from neighboring countries like Nigeria and Ghana, Williams emphasized the importance of strategic investments and policy support in building a thriving film industry.
Eddie M. Gibson, President Emeritus of the Liberia Movie Union, echoed her sentiments, stressing the government’s critical role in fostering a vibrant film sector. He called for regulatory frameworks to ensure quality and originality in Liberian films while protecting creators’ intellectual property. “The government has to step up as a major stakeholder, offering guidance and support to filmmakers,” Gibson remarked.
Gardea K. Mayon, CEO of Kanon Media Group, highlighted the need for collaboration and investment. “The local film industry has passion and creativity, but we lack resources and market access. The government and private sector must work together to address these gaps,” Mayon said.
Williams’ vision represents a potential turning point for Liberian cinema—a chance to break free from stagnation and establish a vibrant, self-sustaining industry. “Liberian films tell our stories and showcase our culture,” Williams concluded. “It’s time for everyone—government, private sector, and citizens—to appreciate and support that.”
With her leadership and the dedication of filmmakers and stakeholders, Liberia’s movie industry could emerge as a beacon of national pride and global recognition.
This post was originally published on here
