Idris Elba plans to relocate to Africa to revamp film industry

Idrissa Akuna Elba OBE, better known as Idris Elba, a renowned British actor with strong African roots, has announced his plans to relocate to the continent within the next decade.

His primary goal is to revitalise Africa’s film industry and empower African filmmakers to tell their own stories.

Elba, who has starred in hit series like “The Wire,” is spearheading several projects to establish film studios in Tanzania and Ghana. Born in London to Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean parents, he has a deep connection to Africa and seeks to leverage his star power to support its burgeoning film business.

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“This sector is a soft power, not just across Ghana but across Africa.
“If you watch any film or anything that has got to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma, how we were slaves, how we were colonised, how it’s just war and when you come to Africa, you will realise that it’s not true.
“So, it’s really important that we own those stories of our tradition, of our culture, of our languages, of the differences between one language and another. The world doesn’t know that,” he said.

In an interview, the 52-year-old rapper and singer expressed his commitment to living and working in Africa. He believes that being physically present on the continent is crucial for successfully bolstering the film industry. While he plans to explore different countries like Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Zanzibar, his ultimate goal is to contribute to the storytelling efforts in each location.

He said: “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.”

Elba emphasises the importance of Africans taking centre stage in the entire filmmaking process. He envisions a future where audiences around the world have a more nuanced understanding of the continent, beyond the stereotypical narratives often portrayed in films.

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The actor believes that by investing in African storytelling, the continent can create its own unique cultural identity and inspire future generations.
He acknowledges the challenges faced by the African film industry, such as piracy and lack of training opportunities, but remains optimistic about its potential for growth with the right support and investment.