In brief
Elba's plans include establishing film studios in Ghana and Zanzibar to help Africans tell their own stories, emphasizing the importance of ownership in storytelling.
British actor Idris Elba has expressed a strong desire to relocate to Africa within the next ten years, a move he believes will significantly bolster Africa's film industry. The renowned star, known for his role in The Wire, recently shared his vision in an interview with the BBC, highlighting his connection to the continent through his Ghanaian mother and Sierra Leonean father. With aspirations to establish film studios in both Zanzibar and Accra, Elba stressed the necessity for Africans to take control of narrative storytelling. "My plan is not just to visit; it's to settle down here," Elba stated during a cinema industry meeting in Accra. "I think [I’ll move] in the next five to ten years, God willing. I need to be in-country, on the continent, to help bolster the film industry—a process that will take a decade." In line with his Pan-African beliefs, he refrained from committing to a specific location but expressed eagerness to immerse himself in diverse storytelling environments across cities like Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar.Elba, who portrayed Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom, underscored the importance of having Africans not only in front of the camera but also behind it—covering financing, distribution, and marketing. He illustrated that just as audiences worldwide distinguish between cities like New York and Los Angeles, they can come to appreciate the rich tapestry of African cultures and stories."This sector is a form of soft power that transcends Ghana, touching the whole of Africa," Elba pointed out. He believes the current portrayal of Africa in film predominantly focuses on its trauma, neglecting the vibrant traditions, cultures, and languages that thrive across the continent. Notably, despite Nigeria’s Nollywood generating a plethora of films, the challenges faced by African filmmakers include piracy and a lack of essential training facilities, as noted by a Unesco report from 2022.Elba is determined to transform these challenges into opportunities through governmental support and investment aimed at creating a sustainable filmmaking ecosystem. He advocates for a shift in narrative ownership, asserting, "When you see me, you see a little version of yourself, and that encouragement is vital." As he prepares for this new chapter, Elba hopes to ignite a revolution in African cinema that puts local stories front and center, inspiring both audiences at home and abroad.
