Idris Elba, renowned actor and filmmaker, has announced plans to move to Africa with the goal of bolstering the continent’s film industry. Known for his roles in acclaimed productions like Luther, The Wire, Beasts of No Nation, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Elba’s relocation is driven by his passion to reshape the narrative surrounding African cinema.
Speaking at the Africa Cinema Summit in Accra, Ghana, Elba revealed his long-term vision to elevate sub-Saharan filmmaking by breaking away from colonial portrayals. His mission is to support the production of films that reflect authentic African traditions, cultures, and languages. During the interview with the BBC, he said, “It’s going to happen. 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’s connection to the continent runs deep. Born in London to parents from Sierra Leone and Ghana, the actor plans to live in multiple locations across Africa, including Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar, in a bid to immerse himself in the storytelling of these regions. He emphasized the importance of creating films that capture Africa’s diverse and rich culture, away from the typical narratives of trauma, colonization, and war.
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“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 colonized, how it’s just war, and when you come to Africa, you will realize that it’s not true,” Elba shared. His vision is to “own those stories of our tradition, of our culture, of our languages” and bring global attention to the continent’s vibrancy and diversity, which are often overlooked.
In addition to his plans for the film industry, Elba is also involved in the development of an “eco city” on Sherbro Island in Sierra Leone, underscoring his broader commitment to the continent. He previously announced his intention to build a film studio in Tanzania, which is a crucial part of his efforts to establish a sustainable infrastructure for African filmmakers.
By relocating to Africa, Elba aims to inspire and foster a new generation of filmmakers who can tell African stories from a local perspective, free from the constraints of outside interpretations. With his passion and commitment, the future of African cinema looks set to shine brighter than ever.
