Idris Elba Plans to Move Africa To Boost Its Movie Industry
Idris Elba, British actor and producer, shared on BBC his plans to move to Africa within ten years to boost the continent’s film industry.
The 52-year-old actor, known for his role in the “The Wire,” is leading efforts to build film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania, as well as Accra, Ghana.
Idris Elba’s Ambition For African Entertainment
Elba plans to use his celebrity influence to support Africa’s film industry, stressing the need for Africans to share their own stories.
He shared this during the 2024 African Cinema Summit in Accra, “I am definitely looking at the possibility of establishing my home here; it’s not just a consideration, it’s a certainty.”
“I anticipate relocating within the next five to ten years, health permitting. My goal is to strengthen the film industry, which is a long-term endeavor that will take about a decade. Achieving this objective requires my presence in the country and on the continent”
In line with Pan-Africanism, Elba refuses to limit himself to one location in Africa.
“I plan to reside in Accra, Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, and Zanzibar. My intention is to immerse myself in places where stories are being shared, as this holds significant importance to me,” he said.
However, Elba aspires to create a film in his studio someday in Accra, Ghana.
Elba, who portrayed South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela in the 2013 film Long Walk to Freedom, emphasizes the importance of having Africans prominently involved in every aspect of the filmmaking process. This includes roles in front of the camera, behind the scenes, as well as in financing, distribution, marketing, and the presentation of the final product.
Idris Elba’s Vision For Africa’s Movie Industry
Elba envisions a future where people are able to recognize African cities in movies the way they are able to distinguish between New York and Los Angeles on movie screens.
According to him, African films often focus on trauma, slavery, colonization, and conflict but these themes do not reflect the continent’s full reality.
He stresses the importance of owning narratives that showcase Africa’s diverse cultures, traditions, and languages which many around the world do not yet understand.
Nigeria’s Nollywood produces hundreds of films annually, making it a major cultural export while Francophone Africa also has a tradition of high-quality film-making.
Elba sees great potential in Africa’s film industry but noted the lack of adequate facilities.
The African Movie Industry
The cultural agency of the United Nations reported that although there has been “substantial growth in production,” the film-making industry throughout the continent faces challenges including piracy, inadequate training opportunities, and a shortage of formal film institutions.
Elba is confident that with the appropriate momentum and the engagement of governments committed to fostering a supportive environment, a positive feedback loop can be created.
“It is essential for us to invest in our narrative, as seeing me reflects a smaller version of yourself, which serves as motivation for all of us,” he said.
Idris Elba’s Connection to Africa
Idris Elba was born on September 6, 1972 in Hackney, London to a Ghanaian mother and a Sierra Leonean father. His deep connection to Africa stems from his parents heritage.
Elba has contributed in telling African stories through films. For example The Long Walk to Freedom, which tells the story of Nelson Mandela. Beast of No Nation centers on Agu, a young soldier caught in civil conflict in Africa.
He is set to star in Things Fall Apart, based on Chinua Achebe’s novel about Okonkwo, a brave African warrior.
Okonkwo is committed to protecting his community and heritage, making him a heroic figure against cultural imperialism.
DONE BY: DAVID BANGURA