Idris Elba Plans to Relocate to Africa to Support Film Industry
Renowned British actor Idris Elba has announced his plans to move to Africa within the next decade to help boost the continent’s film industry, as reported by BBC.
Elba, who was born in London to a Ghanaian mother and a Sierra Leonean father, expressed his desire to play a pivotal role in uplifting African filmmaking during a film industry event in Accra.
The talented actor revealed that he is currently involved in projects aimed at establishing film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana, as part of his vision to empower local filmmakers. He stressed the importance of Africans sharing their stories on a global platform.
“I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” Elba stated confidently. “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.”
Aside from his plans to relocate, Elba is set to portray Okonkwo, the main character in Chinua Achebe’s iconic novel, Things Fall Apart, in an upcoming TV series adaptation.
Elba, known for his roles in films like Beasts of No Nation, Pacific Rim, and Thor, mentioned that he has no intention of settling in one 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,” he added.
He reiterated his commitment to using his influence to elevate the local film industry in the region.
“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 emphasized.
Elba believes that the film industry serves as a form of “soft power” that can reshape global perceptions of 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 colonized, how it’s just war. When you come to Africa, you will realize that it’s not true,” he explained.
“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,” Elba emphasized.
He aspires to shoot movies in his Accra studio one day, highlighting the potential of locally produced narratives.
“We have to invest in our storytelling because when you see me, you see a little version of yourself, and that encourages us,” Elba concluded.
