In brief
The acclaimed actor, best known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Long Walk to Freedom," has announced plans to establish film studios in Tanzania and Ghana as part of his commitment to empowering local storytelling and elevating African narratives in cinema.
Idris Elba has revealed his intention to move to Africa within the next ten years, with aspirations to boost the continent's film industry. The star stated his commitment to creating a meaningful impact in the industry as he aims to build film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana. With roots in Ghana and Sierra Leone, Elba expressed a strong desire to contribute to authentic storytelling in Africa, emphasizing the need for Africans to capture and control their own narratives.During an industry meeting in Accra, Elba remarked, "I think [I’ll move] in the next five, 10 years, God willing... I need to be in-country, on the continent." His vision extends across multiple cities, as he plans to live in Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar, going wherever storytelling is vibrant and alive.Highlighting the current portrayal of Africa in cinema, Elba criticized the focus on trauma and underrepresentation, stressing that it is essential for Africans to own the storytelling process from production to distribution. "This sector is a soft power, not just across Ghana but across Africa," said Elba, emphasizing that understanding Africa's diverse cultures and languages is crucial.Elba acknowledges the success of Nigeria’s Nollywood, which produces numerous films yearly, but also notes the challenges faced by the continent's film industry, including piracy and lack of substantial training opportunities. A 2022 UNESCO report highlighted these issues and the need for more film institutions in Africa.With hopes that governments will foster a more supportive environment for film, Elba believes that creating robust storytelling platforms will encourage a sense of identity and inspiration among African audiences. "We have to invest in our storytelling because when you see me, you see a little version of yourself and that encourages us," he remarked.Through his dedication to African cinema and culture, Idris Elba seeks to ignite a renaissance in storytelling from the continent, demonstrating the potential of African narratives in captivating worldwide audiences.
