DOCUMENTARY

Can a single voice over the radio move listeners beyond the pain and anger of recent memories -- violence that pit neighbors against each other, the exploitation of child soldiers, unimaginable atrocities, and the displacement of millions? For the people of Sierra Leone, a nation struggling to repair itself after more than a decade of war, the answer to that question comes in the simple Krio phrase "Leh Wi Tok” (Let us talk).

“Leh Wi Tok” is a documentary film that highlights the story of radio pioneer Andrew Kromah and his unrelenting quest to grow an independent network of community-based radio stations in his country so that peace and democracy can flourish. Before Sierra Leone's brutal ten-year civil war, Andrew had a flourishing business, leasing mining and farming equipment. When the war broke out RUF rebels attacked Andrew's business, killing all 28 of his employees. The tragedy was intensified as Andrew had no way of notifying the families. In the best of times, electricity is sporadic in Sierra Leone. There were no cell phones and the government controlled the airwaves. It was not only the brutal death of his employees that left Andrew feeling helpless, it was also his inability to communicate with and console their loved ones. This was a pivotal point in Andrew's life. 

“Leh Wi Tok” follows Andrew and his team of radio journalists as they uncover and investigate a tragic landslide that kills 13 people and leaves many more homeless and desperate. The journalists' persistent inquiry reveals that the landslide was a natural disaster precipitated by a dangerous blend of corruption, unregulated construction, and government apathy. Through their tenacious reporting, Andrew and his radio colleagues enlighten the community on the complexity of the disaster, while sharing information on how other tragedies can be averted. “Leh Wi Tok” is the story of how one individual, amidst flagrant and persistent political harassment, financial and technical woes, and geographic challenges, literally puts his life on the line to bring disparate and often unheard voices to the airwaves. “Leh Wi Tok” weaves a story of hope, commitment and of the healing power of words. In the words of Andrew, "No democracy can endure without considering the views of both the majority and the minority. A strong and vigorous media, especially independent radio broadcasting, will help ensure that no one is left without a voice at the decision making table because of lack of resources."

Woven into Andrew's narrative are the stories of other radio pioneers and the incredible impact they are having in their own communities. We meet Foday Sajuma, station manager of Radio Moa, "The Voice of the Voiceless" in Kailahun, a remote area of the country. During the war, Foday  was a commander in the Civil Defense Force (CDF) and a member of the legendary Kamajor Warriors, who were rumored to possess magical powers such as the ability to disappear and dodge bullets. As an ex-combatant himself, Foday knows the important role open communication plays in reconciliation and rebuilding. In “Leh Wi Tok”, we witness Radio Moaʼs many challenges, from its remote rural location with almost impassable dirt roads to its lack of skilled mechanics and technicians and dependence on aging generators running on costly diesel fuel. Every day is a battle to stay on the air for Radio Moa. The passionate commitment of their team stems from the deeply-held belief that without Radio Moa, their region would be left completely in the dark.

Kailahun

Became notorious for being the area where the violence initially erupted during Sierra Leone's eleven year civil war, which finally ended in 2002. Today, the district is working to rebuild much of the infrastructure destroyed during the fighting and heal its residents, many of whom witnessed some of the war's most violent offenses. Radio Moa has taken a leading role in the district's rehabilitation and has become a strong community institution.