Filming in a country on its way to the future
The entire Web TV production team approached the trip to Liberia with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. In the days leading up to shoot, we’d had great difficulty in getting insurance, as the UK Foreign Office lists the West-African republic, as one of the countries discourages travel to. This after all is a nation that’s suffered two major civil wars in the last 15 years.
On our arrival, we did indeed find much evidence of how the wars have ravaged a once proud nation. The shells of burnt-out buildings blight the towns and villages, and there’s little evidence of any kind of infrastructure or industry – unemployment is estimated at a staggering 85%.
But what we also discovered was a sense of hope among the Liberian people. Although they were obviously very aware of the current dire state that the country’s economy was in, they had great optimism for the future. President Ellen Leaf-Johnson’s government has brought some long-awaited stability to Liberia and we found that the people now sensed a move towards a brighter future.
The majority of our filming took place in the capital Monrovia and the mining town of Yekepa. And in both places, we found the ArcelorMittal name elicited a very positive response. The Liberians we met were proud to have such an established company setting up major operations in their country – as though their yearnings for a better tomorrow had been justified by ArcelorMittal’s faith in the new-found stability of their nation.
As for the production team, I’d have to say that the trip to Liberia was both a humbling and enriching experience, and we’re all more than a little curious to revisit the country in a few years to see if the economic promises have rung true.
8 comments
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January 30th, 2008 by Tom Vert
As a member of the growing ArcelorMittal family, it is exciting to see the company investing not only in a new iron ore production facility, but in transforming the tomorrow of a whole community and country. I believe in our vision that as the leading steel company in the world we have the responsibility to lead in all areas and not to be profit focused only. It is amazing how much pride I feel as an ArcelorMittal employee in Canada seeing that we are improving lives of school children, families and the community in Liberia!
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February 2nd, 2008 by Anis Devji
Keep it up…..May God bless you.
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February 4th, 2008 by Roger Klahr
Hello !
As a young boy (from Sweden) I had the opportunity to live in Liberia during the Lamco era. It pleases me greatly to see that Liberia is getting -back on her feet. Together with ArcelorMittal this beautiful country and good people, soon will be blooming again, I´m sure.
Keep up the good work !
Roger Klahr, Buchanan, Liberia 1963-1970
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February 8th, 2008 by Ted Brooks, Jr.
As a child who was born and grew up in Yekepa, and despite the numerous challenges ahead, it is just too great to have another mining concession resuming operations. I feel this investment will build avenues for economic development and peacebuilding amongst the numerous Liberians still affected by the conflict. Do keep your promises!
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February 8th, 2008 by Kua Lumei-Smith
I’m sitting here choked up and as we say in Liberia, “Thank you yah!” Words cannot express the gratitude I feel at this moment but I assure you, these things don’t happen often. May great things happen in our glorius land of liberty and may GOD bless the works of ArcelorMittal.
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February 11th, 2008 by Judith Padmore
The movie is great, I hope ArcelorMittal company will open Nails or wire factory in Lamco,this will not only give jobs to Liberians but will develope the country and the county Nimba. It is Long due.
It is not enough to exploit the iron or from the mountains, LAMCO got the best out of the mountain and left it hollow.
The Liberian people don’t need to go back to what it was but rather go forward, advance to a better 150 years.
Some one who cares.
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February 13th, 2008 by Bill Slater
Our family lived in Liberia 1973-80. My wife and I returned 4 times since then, for stays ranging from 2-5 weeks (’87, ’91, ’94, and ’04). We are thrilled at the possibility of “LAMCO” re-opening. We enjoyed house-swapping with residents in Yekepa during our 7 years’ residence (we lived on the ocean), riding the “railbus,” and the cool nights. Liberia is near and dear to our hearts.
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May 12th, 2008 by Tara Rainsbury
I am so thrilled and grateful for this venture. It will mean much to our people. We are anticipating the highly spoken of contribution not only to the employees of Arcelor Mattel, but their families and community as a whole. This gives me much respect for this corporation. I look forward to new beginnings and a many years of a wonderful relationship between Arcelor Mattel and Liberia. Thanks again.
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