With ambitions to build studios in Ghana and Tanzania, Elba is committed to empowering African storytelling.
Idris Elba's African Relocation: A New Dawn for Film
Idris Elba's African Relocation: A New Dawn for Film
British actor Idris Elba plans to relocate to Africa within the next decade to support the continent's film industry.
Idris Elba, the celebrated British actor known for his roles in productions such as The Wire, has revealed his intention to move to Africa within the next ten years. In a candid interview with the BBC, the 52-year-old star expressed his desire to bolster Africa's film industry by establishing new film studios in key locations like Zanzibar and Ghana’s capital, Accra.
Elba, who has familial roots in Ghana and Sierra Leone, voiced his deep connection to the continent and the importance of Africans telling their own stories. "I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen," he declared at a cinema industry meeting in Accra. He plans to be actively involved in the film sector, emphasizing the need to be present on the continent to make a meaningful contribution.
In terms of his future residence, Elba stated that he aims to embrace a Pan-African lifestyle. “I’m going to live in Accra, I’m going to live in Freetown, I’m going to live in Zanzibar. I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories,” he explained, highlighting the significance of local narratives. Elba aspires to produce films in his studios and believes it’s critical for African voices to occupy all aspects of filmmaking, from acting to financing and distribution.
The actor, recognized for portraying Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom, underscored the urgency of shifting the narratives surrounding Africa. “If you watch any film that has to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma related to slavery and colonization,” he pointed out. Elba envisions a future where global audiences gain a nuanced understanding of Africa's diverse cultures and histories beyond negative stereotypes.
Acknowledging the progress made by Nigeria’s Nollywood—a thriving film industry that produces hundreds of films annually—Elba noted that Africa boasts significant talent, though it often lacks the necessary facilities and support. Supported by a 2022 UNESCO report, he called for investment and government involvement to develop the sector further, paving the way for a self-sustaining film industry capable of sharing authentic African stories with the world.
Elba passionately stated, “We have to invest in our storytelling because when you see me, you see a little version of yourself and that encourages us.” His dream of relocating to Africa marks a pivotal step towards cultivating the continent's vibrant film industry, as he strives to inspire a new generation of filmmakers.
Elba, who has familial roots in Ghana and Sierra Leone, voiced his deep connection to the continent and the importance of Africans telling their own stories. "I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen," he declared at a cinema industry meeting in Accra. He plans to be actively involved in the film sector, emphasizing the need to be present on the continent to make a meaningful contribution.
In terms of his future residence, Elba stated that he aims to embrace a Pan-African lifestyle. “I’m going to live in Accra, I’m going to live in Freetown, I’m going to live in Zanzibar. I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories,” he explained, highlighting the significance of local narratives. Elba aspires to produce films in his studios and believes it’s critical for African voices to occupy all aspects of filmmaking, from acting to financing and distribution.
The actor, recognized for portraying Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom, underscored the urgency of shifting the narratives surrounding Africa. “If you watch any film that has to do with Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma related to slavery and colonization,” he pointed out. Elba envisions a future where global audiences gain a nuanced understanding of Africa's diverse cultures and histories beyond negative stereotypes.
Acknowledging the progress made by Nigeria’s Nollywood—a thriving film industry that produces hundreds of films annually—Elba noted that Africa boasts significant talent, though it often lacks the necessary facilities and support. Supported by a 2022 UNESCO report, he called for investment and government involvement to develop the sector further, paving the way for a self-sustaining film industry capable of sharing authentic African stories with the world.
Elba passionately stated, “We have to invest in our storytelling because when you see me, you see a little version of yourself and that encourages us.” His dream of relocating to Africa marks a pivotal step towards cultivating the continent's vibrant film industry, as he strives to inspire a new generation of filmmakers.
