The festival showcased a rich variety of activities over a two-week period. It included masterclasses in acting and film production, networking events, and an impressive line-up of film screenings. Highlights featured nearly 700 attendees at screenings held at the Freetown City Council from 22 to 24 November 2024, as well as 600 additional attendees who enjoyed films during pop-up events across Freetown. The festival also reached 1,600 primary school pupils and engaged 150 children and adolescents at Don Bosco Fambul, underscoring its commitment to making cinema accessible to diverse audiences.

The opening ceremony, held on Friday, 22 November 2024, brought together government ministers, state officials, and film enthusiasts.   

The EU Chargé d'affaires, Emilio Rossetti, welcomed guests and underscored the role of storytelling in creating meaningful change: “The European Film Festival provides an important platform to  amplify stories that inspire, foster meaningful dialogue, and  emphasise our collective  commitment to equality, justice and cultural understating.”

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Ms. Isata Mahoi (PhD), stated: "Growing up, we used theatre to educate and inspire change during difficult times. I appreciate the EU’s activities through this festival. Violence against women and girls remains a pervasive challenge. Laws alone are not enough; they must be enforced, and safe spaces created. With support from civil society, the media, and our partners, we can achieve meaningful change.”

Robert Hilton Leigh, Assistant Director of Tourism, added: “Through collaborative efforts and platforms like this film festival, we continue to create opportunities for women to thrive and contribute equally to our nation's development."

Zachariah Lloyd Sesay, representing the Sierra Leone Film Guild, remarked during the opening ceremony: “The EU Film Festival is a beacon of creativity and cultural exchange, uniting filmmakers from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the art of storytelling. We are honoured to be part of this remarkable event that showcases the transformative power of film.”

As the festival came to a close on 24 November 2024, the event seamlessly transitioned into a powerful call to action by kicking off the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, in collaboration with UNFPA and UNICEF.

During the closing ceremony, the EU Chargé d'Affaires reflected: “Tonight, we celebrate the conclusion of this inspiring festival, but we also mark the beginning of a campaign that demands action. The 16 Days of Activism is a vital reminder that ending violence against women and girls is a responsibility we all share.”

Nadia Rasheed, Representative at United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), stated: “Violence is not inevitable; it is preventable. One of the biggest challenges we face is the culture of silence that surrounds gender-based violence. That’s why platforms like this festival are so critical. Arts and cinema play a transformative role in raising awareness, promoting positive communities, and encouraging people to speak out and take action.”

Rudolf Schwenk, UNICEF Representative in Sierra Leone, remarked: “Cinema serves as a powerful tool for change, especially in Sierra Leone, where cultural narratives shape perceptions and realities. It allows us to change behaviours, inspire dialogue, and foster understanding about the experiences of women and girls.”

The 2024 European Film Festival featured a curated selection of films from Sierra Leone, Africa, and Europe. As part of the EU’s broader "Amplifying women's voices" campaign, the festival aligned with the EU gender programme in Sierra Leone, which actively supports initiatives aimed at advancing women's rights and fighting gender-based violence.