MONROVIA – As part of its ongoing partnership with the Government of Liberia, the European Union (EU) has officially launched the EU-Liberia Film Festival 2025 in Monrovia.
Held under the theme “Social Justice & Advocacy Through Films,” the event took place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at William V. S. Tubman High School, one of Liberia’s largest public schools. The festival attracted hundreds of students, international representatives, top government officials, and school administrators.
The EU-Liberia Film Festival 2025 marks a significant step in raising awareness about social justice and substance abuse among Liberian youth. As the festival expands to other counties, it is expected to educate more students and inspire national conversations about preventing drug abuse and strengthening border security.
EU Ambassador Encourages Students to Engage and Learn
Speaking before the film screening, EU Ambassador to Liberia, Nona Deprez, expressed her excitement about the launch. She encouraged students to stay engaged, learn from the films, and participate actively in panel discussions.
She reaffirmed the EU’s continued commitment to supporting Liberia both financially and technically, particularly in efforts to combat substance abuse and the influx of harmful substances.
“We’re thrilled about this film festival and deeply appreciate the students’ massive turnout today,” she said. “We also value the strong partnership between the Liberian government and the EU.”
Ambassador Deprez announced that the initiative would expand to Robertsport in Grand Cape Mount County and Tubmanburg in Bomi County to spread awareness and discourage substance abuse among Liberian youth.
Panel Discussion Highlights Dangers of Drug Abuse
A panel discussion formed part of the festival, allowing students to engage with key stakeholders on issues surrounding drug abuse. The panelists included Mr. Anthony K. South, Director of the Liberia Drugs Enforcement Agency (LDEA), Madam Garmai S. Tokpah, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Protection at the Ministry of Gender, Miss Rachel A. Gbessagee, a rehabilitated youth, and Miss Josephine Kolubah, Founder and Manager of Jojo Hope House of Substance Freedom.
The discussion covered the dangers of drug abuse, rehabilitation challenges, and efforts to prevent the influx of harmful substances into Liberia. Panelists emphasized the need for community involvement, government policies, and collaborative efforts to combat substance abuse among young people.
Government Pledges Support for Anti-Drug Initiatives
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister for Press and Public Affairs at the Ministry of Information, Cultural Affairs, and Tourism (MICAT), Danie O. Sando, described substance abuse as a growing crisis in Liberia. He referenced a recent report by the Liberia Institute for Statistics and Geo-Information Services (LISGIS), which highlights the alarming rate at which young people are engaging in this harmful practice.
Sando stressed the need for awareness and education to counteract the problem. He urged students to learn from the films and make informed decisions about their future while also calling for parents and school administrators to play a greater role in preventing drug abuse among youth. He thanked the EU for its unwavering support in addressing Liberia’s substance abuse crisis.
“The government is playing its part. While the EU is assisting, students, parents, and school administrators also have a crucial role to play,” he emphasized.
Monrovia Mayor Applauds EU-Liberia Partnership
Monrovia City Mayor John-Charuk S. Siafa commended the EU Delegation for the initiative, describing it as a strengthening factor in Liberia-EU relations. He noted that the festival highlights the shared cultural values between Liberia and the EU while also serving as a platform for critical discussions on social issues.
“This festival amplifies voices that address pressing societal challenges. By creating dialogue through film, we are collectively working toward a more inclusive and harmonious society,” Mayor Siafa remarked.
He encouraged students to actively engage with the films and use them as tools for education and self-improvement.
Students Call for Stronger Border Security
During the event, several students urged the Liberian government to tighten border security to prevent the importation of illicit drugs. Many argued that if harmful substances were intercepted at entry points, young people would have less access to them.
Miss Grace Dorley, a 12th-grade student at William V. S. Tubman High School, emphasized the impact of border security on substance abuse. “If certain products don’t enter Liberia, we won’t consume them. The same applies to drugs—if they don’t come into the country, young people won’t use them,” she said.
Dorley also shared a deeply personal story about her 17-year-old sister, who died from a drug overdose after relapsing post-rehabilitation. “She was rehabilitated and brought home, but she went back to drugs and overdosed, leading to her untimely death,” she recounted, urging the government to strengthen border security and intensify public awareness campaigns on drug abuse.
Another student, Solomon Tresvah Suah, also in the 12th grade, praised the EU for launching the festival, calling it an opportunity for students to learn about substance abuse and its consequences. “I’ve seen friends and older people struggle with addiction—it’s heartbreaking. Drugs lead to violence, poor hygiene, and self-destruction,” he said.
Suah advised his peers to steer clear of substance abuse and focus on their future. “To my fellow students, avoid this path. Trust God, stay focused, and remain humble,” he urged.
The EU-Liberia Film Festival 2025 is expected to continue across other counties, expanding discussions on social justice, advocacy, and substance abuse prevention while deepening Liberia’s partnership with the European Union.
Discussion about this post