Aston Lukoye
- Idris Elba revealed plans to move to Africa within the next decade to support African cinema.
- He aims to build film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana, as part of his efforts to boost the industry.
- Elba, with roots in Ghana and Sierra Leone, envisions African filmmakers leading in storytelling, production, and distribution.
- His goal is to help portray Africa’s rich culture, moving beyond the trauma-focused narratives often associated with the continent.
- Africa’s film industry faces challenges like a lack of infrastructure, but Elba remains optimistic about its future growth.
British actor Idris Elba, known for his roles in The Wire and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, has announced plans to relocate to Africa within the next decade. Elba, 52, intends to support the continent’s growing film industry by establishing film studios and helping African filmmakers tell their own stories. His commitment to Africa’s cinema industry marks a significant moment in the continent’s creative landscape.
In a recent interview with the BBC, Elba discussed his deep connection to Africa, which stems from his Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean heritage. He shared his plans to move to Africa and invest in film infrastructure, specifically by building studios in Zanzibar and Accra. His goal is to help African filmmakers control their narratives, ensuring that Africa’s diverse stories are told authentically.
“I’m going to live in Accra, I’m going to live in Freetown, I’m going to live in Zanzibar,” Elba said. “I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories—that’s important.”
Elba emphasized the importance of moving beyond the stereotypical stories of trauma and conflict often associated with Africa. He believes African filmmakers should focus on portraying their rich traditions, languages, and cultures. While Nollywood has gained global recognition, he acknowledged that the film industry across Africa still faces significant challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, piracy, and limited opportunities for training.
Despite these obstacles, Elba remains optimistic. He called on African governments to invest in the continent’s film industry, encouraging further support from local and international investors. He believes that with the right resources, Africa’s cinema can thrive on the global stage, allowing audiences to see a fuller picture of the continent.
Idris Elba’s vision of helping Africa’s film industry flourish marks a hopeful turning point for African cinema. His planned relocation and commitment to creating film studios in Africa underscore his dedication to empowering African filmmakers. By focusing on authentic storytelling, Elba hopes to inspire the next generation of filmmakers and showcase the continent’s cultural richness to global audiences.
