Idris Elba Plans Move to Africa to Empower Film Industry
Actor Idris Elba has revealed plans to move to Africa in the next decade as part of his effort to strengthen the continent’s film sector.
The 52-year-old, recognized for his role in ‘The Wire’, is developing film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana.
Born in London to a Ghanaian mother and a Sierra Leonean father, Elba has a profound connection to the continent. He believes it is crucial for Africans to narrate their own stories through cinema.
“I’m not just considering it. I’m committed to making it happen,” he shared in an interview at an industry conference in Accra. “I expect to relocate within the next five to ten years, God willing. To truly support the film industry, I need to be on the ground in Africa for this ten-year journey.”
Elba also highlighted his intention to live in various African cities. “I plan to stay in Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar. It’s important for me to be where stories are being told.”
One of his aspirations includes producing a film at his studio in Accra. Having portrayed Nelson Mandela in the 2013 film ‘Long Walk to Freedom’, Elba underscored the significance of African filmmakers playing a central role in their storytelling.
As he embarks on this new path, Elba aims to utilize his influence to enhance the film industry in Africa, ensuring authentic representation of its narratives.
