British actor Idris Elba has announced his intention to relocate to Africa within the next decade to help develop the continent’s burgeoning film industry. The 52-year-old star of The Wire revealed his plans to the BBC, sharing his vision to establish film studios in both Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana.
Born in London to a Ghanaian mother and Sierra Leonean father, Elba has always felt a deep connection to Africa. His long-term goal is to strengthen the continent’s film sector by leveraging his influence and experience, stating that it’s crucial for Africans to control their own narratives in cinema.
‘I will definitely settle here; it’s not even a question. It’s happening,’ Elba said during a film industry event in Accra. ‘Within the next five or ten years, God willing. I want to support the film industry, and that’s a decade-long commitment. I can’t do it from overseas—I need to be here, on the continent.’
Pan-African vision
Although Elba is committed to relocating, he’s hesitant to settle in one specific country. Instead, he envisions living in several key cities to support storytelling across different regions. ‘I’ll live in Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar. I want to be where the stories are being told, and that’s what matters most,’ he explained.
One of his ambitions is to create a film in the studio he’s developing in Accra, which he believes could play a significant role in reshaping how African stories are presented globally. Elba, who portrayed Nelson Mandela in the 2013 biopic Long Walk to Freedom, is adamant that Africans must lead every stage of the filmmaking process, from production and financing to distribution and marketing.
He imagines a future where global audiences will understand Africa’s diversity, just as they distinguish between New York and Los Angeles in American films. ‘The film industry is a soft power, not just in Ghana but across Africa,’ he said. ‘It’s vital for us to own our narratives—our traditions, our cultures, and our languages.’
Changing the narrative
Elba pointed out the stereotypical portrayal of Africa in Western media, which often focuses on trauma, slavery, colonisation, and conflict. ‘When you watch anything about Africa, it’s always negative. But if you come here, you’ll see it’s so much more than that,’ he noted. ‘We need to tell our own stories, and the world needs to know the real Africa.’
He believes that the potential of Africa’s film industry is vast, highlighting Nigeria’s Nollywood as a prime example. Nollywood is one of the largest film industries in the world, producing hundreds of films annually, while other African regions, particularly in Francophone countries, also have a history of high-quality cinema.
However, Elba acknowledges that while the talent is abundant, the industry lacks adequate facilities. A 2022 UNESCO report supported his observations, noting that despite growth in African film production, the industry faces challenges such as piracy, inadequate training opportunities, and a lack of official institutions.
The road ahead
Elba believes that with proper investment and government support, Africa’s film industry could thrive. ‘We need momentum, and if governments can create an enabling environment, we’ll create a virtuous circle,’ he explained. He stressed the importance of investing in African storytelling, adding, ‘When you see me, you see a part of yourself, and that inspires us all.’
Elba’s vision reflects his commitment to putting Africa at the forefront of global cinema, ensuring that its rich, diverse stories are told authentically and with the respect they deserve.
Credit: BBC
