Idris Elba to relocate to Africa to promote film industry

Idris Elba, the renowned British actor known for his roles in The Wire and Luther, has announced his intention to move to Africa within the next decade to support the continent’s burgeoning film industry, Africa Parrot learnt.

Elba, whose roots trace back to Ghana and Sierra Leone, aims to leverage his star power to foster local storytelling and production.

In an interview on the sidelines of an industry meeting in Accra, Ghana, Elba emphasized his commitment to establishing a vibrant film scene in Africa. “I think [I’ll move] in the next five, 10 years, God willing. I’m here to bolster the film industry – that is a 10-year process – I won’t be able to do that from overseas. I need to be in-country, on the continent,” he stated.

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Elba has ambitious plans to develop film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana, as part of a broader vision to elevate African narratives in global cinema.

He highlighted the importance of Africans being at the forefront of filmmaking, stating, “It’s really important that we own those stories of our tradition, of our culture, of our languages.”

The actor believes that the African film industry has tremendous potential, despite facing challenges such as inadequate facilities and a lack of training opportunities.

A 2022 report from UNESCO noted that while there has been significant growth in film production across the continent, issues such as piracy and insufficient support from official institutions hinder its progress.

Elba’s involvement is seen as a beacon of hope for the industry.

He noted, “With the right momentum and involvement of governments willing to create an enabling environment, a virtuous circle can be established.”

He also emphasized the role of storytelling in fostering connections and encouraging personal reflections among viewers, saying, “When you see me, you see a little version of yourself and that encourages us.”

As Elba prepares for his future in Africa, his efforts are expected to inspire a new generation of filmmakers and actors, contributing to a more diverse and representative global film landscape.

By investing in local talent and infrastructure, he aims to change the narrative around African cinema, which often focuses on themes of trauma and struggle. “If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma. It’s not true. We need to shift that perception,” he remarked.

Elba’s commitment to the African film industry signals a significant step towards empowering local storytellers and elevating African culture on the global stage.

As he prepares for this journey, his plans could pave the way for a thriving film industry that reflects the rich diversity and complexity of African narratives.