Idris Elba to Relocate to Africa to Boost the Continent’s Film Industry

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British actor Idris Elba has announced plans to relocate to Africa within the next decade, a move that reflects his deep commitment to supporting the continent’s burgeoning film industry. At 52, the actor, known for portraying Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom, has already begun laying the groundwork for his ambitious vision. Elba is involved in building film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana, marking the first steps in his long-term goal of developing local filmmaking hubs.

Speaking during a film industry meeting in Accra, Elba emphasized the need for Africans to tell their own stories on the global stage. “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” he declared. Elba also mentioned his timeline for relocation, aiming to make the move within the next five to ten years, stating, “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.”

The actor’s connection to Africa runs deep, with his mother hailing from Ghana and his father from Sierra Leone. Rather than committing to a single location, Elba plans to live across different parts of the continent, including Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar. “I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories – that’s really important,” he added, underscoring his dedication to being on the ground to contribute directly to African cinema.

Elba’s passion for amplifying African voices through film stems from his belief that the continent’s stories have historically been misrepresented. He pointed out that much of what the world sees about Africa centers on trauma, colonization, and conflict, offering a skewed view of a rich and diverse continent. “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 explained.Idris Elba to Relocate to Africa to Boost the Continent’s Film Industry

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He emphasized the importance of African storytellers owning their narratives, celebrating their traditions, cultures, and languages in ways that the world has not yet seen. Elba also believes that the film industry has the potential to act as “soft power,” reshaping global perceptions of Africa and opening up new opportunities for collaboration and investment.

With his growing influence in the entertainment world, Elba is determined to use his platform to elevate the African film industry. He dreams of one day shooting films in his Accra studio, showcasing the unique and untold stories from the region. “We have to invest in our storytelling because when you see me, you see a little version of yourself, and that encourages us,” he said, highlighting the need for representation and local narratives that inspire future generations.

Elba’s upcoming roles reflect this commitment to African storytelling. It was recently announced that he will portray Okonkwo, the lead character in Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart, in a new TV series adaptation of the classic novel. This project aligns perfectly with his vision of bringing African stories to global audiences.

With his move to Africa, Elba aims to bridge the gap between Hollywood and African cinema, creating opportunities for collaboration and growth across the continent. His relocation is not just a personal decision but a strategic step towards realizing his dream of transforming Africa into a global hub for filmmaking, one story at a time.

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