Idris Elba Opens $1m AI Filmmaking Programme Across Five African Countries

As chair of The Akuna Group, British actor Idris Elba is backing a US$1 million artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking programme aimed at helping African creatives turn their stories into films.

Aspiring filmmakers in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa can access free training, mentorship and a chance to secure production funding.

The initiative, From Script to Screen with AI, opened applications on October 26, 2026, targeting aspiring filmmakers and visual storytellers across Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa.

Backed by Google.org and delivered through Akuna Learning in collaboration with Google, the programme aims to move emerging creatives beyond learning new technology to developing films that could reach wider audiences.

With a curriculum developed by AI filmmaking school Curious Refuge, the initiative offers free training, industry mentorship and opportunities to secure funding for selected film projects.

From a Creative Idea to a Finished Film

Video editor working on an AI-assisted film production

The programme will run for approximately 50 weeks, beginning with a 12-week online academy from February to April 2027.

Furthermore, participants will learn to use AI tools in storytelling while specialising in areas such as fiction, documentaries, animation, advertising and screenwriting.

Weekly guidance and in-person gatherings in the five participating countries will support their development.

But the opportunity extends beyond the classroom. After completing the academy, participants can submit original film ideas for consideration.

Shortlisted creatives will work in teams, receive guidance from experienced mentors and pitch their projects to industry panels. Selected projects will receive production funding, with filming scheduled between July and October 2027.

The organisers expect completed films to feature at festivals and showcases. However, funding is competitive and is not guaranteed for every participant. Especially with high demands.

Idris Elba’s Push for African Storytelling

Idris Elba Posed with a visionary look

Elba, whose family roots are in Ghana and Sierra Leone, says the initiative is about giving African creatives greater access to the knowledge and tools needed to tell their own stories.

“For me, this is about learning. This is about access to courses that help educate creators across the continent to tell their stories,” he said.

The programme will also seeks to help participants build creative careers. And this careers will be worthwhile. Which will help them generate income from their work.

Another notable feature is the commitment of the group to own intellectual property. Filmmakers will retain ownership of their work, with no intellectual property claims from the organisers or partners.

That commitment could matter to emerging filmmakers seeking support without giving up control of the stories they create.

How to Apply

Applications and training are free.

Akuna Learning From Script to Screen application flyer

The programme offers African creatives a chance to use AI to develop original films and compete for production funding.

Its success will depend on turning training into finished films and sustainable careers.