British actor Idris Elba has announced plans to move to Africa as part of his mission to strengthen the sub-Saharan film industry. Elba, known for his roles in Luther, The Wire, Beasts of No Nation, and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, shared his intentions during the Africa Cinema Summit in Accra, Ghana, stating that his move is inevitable.
Elba previously revealed plans to build a film studio in Tanzania, and now says that developing African cinema will require him to live on the continent. "It’s going to happen," Elba told the BBC, explaining that relocating is essential for his 10-year vision to support the industry. "I need to be in-country, on the continent. I won’t be able to do that from overseas."
He plans to reside in several African cities, including Accra, Ghana; Freetown, Sierra Leone; and Zanzibar. His focus will be on connecting with regions that are rich in storytelling traditions. "I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories – that’s really important," he emphasized.
Elba, whose father is from Sierra Leone and mother from Ghana, expressed his enthusiasm for changing the global narrative around Africa. He believes that too many films focus on Africa’s history of slavery, colonization, and conflict. "If you watch any film about Africa, all you’re going to see is trauma, how we were slaves, how we were colonized, how it’s just war," Elba said. "When you come to Africa, you will realize that it’s not true."
For Elba, telling authentic African stories is vital. He aims to highlight the continent’s rich traditions, cultures, and diverse languages, which he feels the world doesn’t fully understand.
In addition to his film industry efforts, Elba is also involved in a project to develop an "eco city" on Sherbro Island in Sierra Leone, further demonstrating his commitment to Africa’s development.
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