British actor Idris Elba has revealed his intention to relocate to Africa within the next decade to help develop the continent’s film industry.
In an interview with the BBC, the 52-year-old actor, known for his role in The Wire, shared his involvement in projects aimed at establishing film studios in both Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana.
Elba, born in London to a Ghanaian mother and a Sierra Leonean father, has strong ties to Africa and is eager to use his influence to support its growing film sector.
He emphasized the importance of Africans being able to tell their own stories, saying it is crucial for the continent’s narrative.
“I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” he said in an interview on the sidelines of an industry meeting in Accra.
“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.”
However, in the spirit of Pan-Africanism, he has chosen not to commit to residing in any particular location.
“I’m going to live in Accra, I’m going to live in Freetown [Sierra Leone’s capital], I’m going to live in Zanzibar. I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories – that’s really important.”
One goal he does have is to make a film in his studio in Accra one day.
‘Own those stories’
Mr Elba, who portrayed South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela in the 2013 film Long Walk to Freedom, believes it is essential for Africans to play a central role in the entire filmmaking process. This includes not only those in front of the camera but also those behind it, as well as in financing, distribution, marketing, and showcasing the final product.
He envisions a future where global movie audiences possess a deeper understanding of Africa, similar to how they recognize the distinct characteristics of New York and Los Angeles, even if they have never visited those cities.
“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.”
With Nigeria’s Nollywood producing hundreds of movies a year, films are arguably one of the country’s most successful exports. There is also a tradition, especially in parts of Francophone Africa, of making high-quality films.
Elba has previously recognised the talent in Africa’s film industry, but said the facilities were “lacking”.
A 2022 report from Unesco backed up the actor.
The UN’s cultural agency said that despite “significant growth in production”, the business of film-making across the continent was hindered by issues such as piracy, insubstantial training opportunities and a lack of official film institutions.
Elba believes with the right momentum and involvement of governments willing to create an enabling environment, a virtuous circle can be established.
“We have to invest in our story-telling because when you see me, you see a little version of yourself and that encourages us.”