Idris Elba, celebrated actor and advocate for authentic storytelling, is setting his sights on Africa with a bold plan: to establish film studios across the continent and directly contribute to the growth of Africa’s film industry. The Luther star recently shared with the BBC and CNN his vision of supporting African filmmaking by creating a sustainable infrastructure that empowers local talent and showcases Africa’s stories on a global stage.
Elba’s intention to move to Africa within the next 10 years is rooted in honoring his Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean heritage and building opportunities for African filmmakers. His plans include studios in Zanzibar, Ghana, and Sierra Leone—chosen not just for their unique landscapes but for their untapped storytelling potential. “I’m here to bolster the film industry—that’s a 10-year process,” he stated. “I won’t be able to do that from overseas. I need to be in-country, on the continent.”
Beyond adding to the existing film ecosystem, Elba hopes to change the narrative of Africa in global media. “A lot of media about Africa centers on conflict or hardship, but the median age here is 19—young, optimistic, and full of potential. These young people deserve the chance to tell their own stories,” he noted. Elba has been vocal about challenging the stereotypes often associated with Africa, emphasizing the diversity of its languages, cultures, and traditions that rarely get screen time in global media.
Elba’s vision aligns with a report from UNESCO, highlighting that the African film industry, though growing, is hindered by piracy, a lack of institutional support, and minimal access to professional training. Yet, the potential remains vast: the report estimates that the industry could create 20 million jobs with the right investment. By building production hubs in Africa, Elba seeks to foster a more robust production infrastructure that would enable Africa’s creatives to capture and distribute their stories worldwide.
For Elba, the studio projects are more than just facilities; they are avenues for African ownership in storytelling. He envisions a future where global audiences will recognize the nuanced identities of African cities and cultures—much like how people know New York or Los Angeles, even if they’ve never visited. “It’s really important that we own those stories,” he said, underscoring that the power of African narratives is in how they are told, by whom, and for whom.
Reflecting on his role as Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom and his recent efforts in building industry connections across Africa, Elba believes the continent’s filmmakers should lead every part of the creative process—from production and financing to distribution and marketing. “When you see me, you see a version of yourself, and that encourages us,” he added, pointing to the power of representation in inspiring the next generation of African talent.
With projects underway and backing from African governments, Idris Elba’s commitment to Africa’s film future is a call to action for stakeholders, highlighting that a united, Pan-African film industry could be one of the continent’s most transformative soft powers.
