By: Ibrahim S. Bangura
US African Movie Productions, a film production company committed to promoting African cinema and storytelling, will on Saturday, 28 December 2025, host a free dinner party for filmmakers and creative industry stakeholders as part of activities marking the official unveiling of the poster for its forthcoming movie, Jabba Tribe.
The event will take place at the Approved School Artificial Turf along Rokupa Old Road and is scheduled to commence at 8:00 p.m. It is expected to attract filmmakers, actors, producers, media practitioners, content creators, and film enthusiasts from across Sierra Leone. Organizers say the gathering aims to promote unity, collaboration, and professional networking within the country’s steadily growing film industry.
Speaking ahead of the event, Chief Executive Officer of US African Movie Productions, Evelyn K. Grote, said the initiative reflects the company’s commitment to strengthening relationships within the creative sector while celebrating African storytelling.
“This event is more than just a dinner or a poster unveiling. It is about bringing creatives together in a relaxed and inclusive environment where ideas can be shared, partnerships can be formed, and the spirit of African storytelling can be celebrated,” Grote said.
Activities for the evening will begin with a friendly football match between Team Jabba and Eastern Filmmakers, an initiative organizers say is intended to encourage teamwork, camaraderie, and healthy interaction among industry players. The match will be followed by a free dinner, offering guests an opportunity to network and engage informally with fellow creatives and stakeholders.
The highlight of the occasion will be the official unveiling of the Jabba Tribe poster and teaser. In addition, U.S African Movie Productions will introduce branded promotional materials, including banners and billboards, and announce the film’s official launch dates and proposed screening venues.
According to the organizers, the event will serve as a strategic promotional platform for Jabba Tribe while reinforcing the importance of collaboration in enhancing the quality and visibility of local film productions.
“African cinema thrives when we work together. By creating spaces like this, we are laying the foundation for stronger collaborations that can take our stories beyond borders,” Grote explained.
Jabba Tribe features a strong pan-African cast, including renowned Nigerian actor Zubby Michael, alongside Frank Artus, Doratee, and Isha of Deep in the Game, among other notable actors. The involvement of these well-known figures has significantly heightened anticipation ahead of the film’s release, with many industry observers describing the project as one of the most anticipated African productions to emerge from Sierra Leone in recent years.
U.S African Movie Productions was founded by Evelyn K. Grote, a Sierra Leonean-American entrepreneur whose passion for filmmaking was inspired during a business visit to Sierra Leone. According to Grote, her exposure to the country’s rich oral traditions, cultural diversity, and creative talent motivated her to invest in film production as a means of amplifying African voices.
Under her leadership, the company has produced several films, including Careless Fate, Dilemma, Lost Identity, and Pica, some of which have attracted audiences beyond the African continent.
Grote believes the film industry holds significant potential as a driver of national development if properly supported.
“A vibrant film industry is not just about entertainment. It creates jobs, engages young people, tells our stories authentically, and contributes to positive social change. Countries like Nigeria have demonstrated what is possible through Nollywood, and Sierra Leone can achieve similar success,” she said.
She further emphasized that initiatives such as the free dinner party form part of a broader vision to make the industry more inclusive and accessible, particularly for emerging filmmakers and creatives.
“We want everyone whether established or upcoming to feel welcomed and valued. When creatives feel supported, the quality of storytelling improves, and the entire industry benefits,” she added.