Sorious Samura is Sierra Leone’s best-known investigative journalist, making documentaries for CNN, Channel 4 and BBC that have won two Emmy Awards and seen him described by The Independent as “the world’s most fearless filmmaker”. Over the last 25 years, he’s tackled the toughest issues in the region including civil war, starvation, AIDS, corruption, attitudes to homosexually and more. But Sorious has grown tired of telling negative stories about Africa and, having moved to London many years earlier, begins to realise that he is only telling half of the truth about his continent. Desperate to change the narrative, he turns to his best friend and mentor, Sierra Leone’s iconic playwright, Charlie Haffner.

These two friends embark on a journey to create an inspiring work of national theatre – to restore pride to a nation with a rich and amazing history, yet known today mostly for conflict, poverty and corruption. It doesn’t go as planned. It becomes clear very quickly that the two men have a shared ambition but have lived very different lives. Their two cultures collide and tensions flare, as Sierra Leone itself teeters on the brink of civil unrest. For both men, the play becomes a matter of personal and national salvation. Through increasing adversity, they push to opening night. What will happen when the curtain lifts?

Dir. Clive Patterson - 94min - 2021 - UK

"Astonishing...This is a hugely special, rewarding documentary whose ending manages to encompass both victory and loss." - Guardian

"Grapples with themes of national identity and the profound impact of British Colonial rule" - Sheffield Doc Fest

"A remarkable piece of documentary cinema" - Loud and Clear reviews

"Lush sounds are beautifully paired with stunning visuals” - The British Blacklist

"Sing, Freetown is a beautiful and raw documentary" - The Upcoming

"Sublime in every way, ‘Sing, Freetown’ soars with optimism" - DOCU Drive