It’s the break of dawn on April 14 in the small West African country of Liberia, home to our Greenfield Mining project. On location is a film crew shooting a 9-minute video that will answer questions such as: ‘What role is ArcelorMittal playing there? What impact has the financial crisis had on Liberia? What Corporate Responsibility initiatives have been rolled out to protect the environment and support communities on the ground? Gavin Knight and Mark Moreve, Director and Cameraman at Bladonmore respectively, share their impressions from the making of this fascinating video…
Liberia has been devastated by long years of conflict and civil war. Today, the country is slowly but surely being resurrected and starting to blossom again thanks to the strength of its people. Our Company’s activities and operations there have helped the country begin to work towards a sustainable future.
“Liberia is a country full of potential. The video shows the way ArcelorMittal approached their ambitions in tandem with Liberians and the interests of the country. Being there on the ground, I found it quite remarkable to see such enthusiasm from the local Liberians for the mine - from ministers, NGOs to the poorest of villagers,” Gavin explains with excitement.
The film crew was accompanied by Lynn Robbroeckx, Media Relations Manager for ArcelorMittal, as well as photographer Stephen Hird, and supported by the entire team at ArcelorMittal Liberia. “It was a great team effort from the whole crew and all of those who helped us on the ground,” Lynn remarked.
Mark went on to explain: “Our biggest challenge was logistics - how to move filming equipment without knowing what we would come across. The best way of dealing with this challenge was to be prepared for anything. But it all went well in the end.”
The filming took the crew from Monrovia to Buchanan and then on to Yekepa, to interview the key players of the Liberia Greenfield Mining project. “It was interesting to fly over the Yekepa mine and be able to see the past and the present sitting in the rainforest... burnt-out old trucks vs. brand new cars and buildings,” shares Gavin.
To have a clear understanding of what ArcelorMittal is doing to help the surrounding communities in Liberia, it was important to speak to the people themselves and hear ‘their side of the story’.
“The most recurrent message was that of gratitude,” said Gavin. “The Liberian people were the most amazing, proud and happy people. Filming at the primary school; I was absolutely blown away. The children were so proud of the education they get, and when we got there they welcomed us by singing – they sang songs for us! It was very moving!” Mark added.
Weeks have passed since their return from Liberia, with many, many hours spent on cutting and editing the wealth of footage they gathered. The video is being unveiled today.
And what do the film makers think of their video? “Looking back at my filming experience in Liberia, I would say that for me the key message of the film is hope - the hope that is coming out of Liberia after having had a really hard time for many years. And the pride of the people and improvements in the country are also of course clearly visible in this video,” said Mark. “What ArcelorMittal is creating is amazing, especially how they are helping to empower the people. Boldness definitely changes everything.”
“I think it’s the start of a long and hopefully prosperous journey for this country,” Gavin concluded.
