British actor Idris Elba has revealed his intention to relocate to Africa within the next decade as part of his efforts to support the continent’s burgeoning film industry. In an interview with the BBC, the 52-year-old star of The Wire discussed his deep-rooted connection to Africa and outlined his plans to build film studios in both Accra, Ghana, and Zanzibar, Tanzania.
Elba, born in London to a Ghanaian mother and Sierra Leonean father, expressed his desire to use his influence to help Africans tell their own stories. “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” he said, sharing that his move could happen within the next five to ten years.
The actor, who has a passion for promoting African narratives, explained that he wants to immerse himself in the continent’s film-making process. “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 stated.
His vision is not tied to one location. Elba plans to live in multiple African cities, including Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar, emphasizing his Pan-African approach to film-making. “I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories – that’s really important,” he said.
One of Elba’s aspirations is to create a film in his Accra-based studio, highlighting his commitment to the region. He stressed the importance of African ownership in the film-making process, not only in front of the camera but also behind the scenes in financing, distribution, and marketing. “We have to invest in our story-telling,” Elba emphasized, noting that the world often views Africa through a lens of trauma, war, and colonization, which does not reflect the continent’s rich culture and traditions.
Elba’s ambition is to change the narrative, allowing audiences to gain a more nuanced understanding of Africa. Drawing comparisons to the global familiarity with US cities like New York and Los Angeles, Elba envisions a future where African cities and cultures are just as well-known.
While acknowledging the growth of Nigeria’s Nollywood and the legacy of Francophone African cinema, Elba also pointed out the challenges facing African film-makers. A 2022 UNESCO report highlighted issues such as piracy, limited training opportunities, and a lack of institutional support. Elba believes that with the involvement of governments and the creation of an enabling environment, Africa’s film industry could thrive.
“We have to 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,” Elba concluded, underscoring his commitment to promoting Africa’s diverse narratives on the global stage.
