British actor Idris Elba has recently announced his intentions to relocate to Africa within the next decade, with a vision to significantly enhance the continent’s film industry. Known for his compelling portrayal of Nelson Mandela in the 2013 biopic Long Walk to Freedom and his roles in Beasts of No Nation, Pacific Rim, and Thor, Elba’s move is seen as a substantial commitment to fostering local filmmaking in Africa.
During a recent film industry meeting in Accra, Ghana, Elba emphasized the critical role that Africans must play in telling their own stories. He expressed a firm belief that authentic narratives crafted by locals can reshape global perceptions of the continent. “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” Elba stated, reinforcing his determination to become an integral part of the African film landscape. He projected that his relocation would occur within the next five to ten years, contingent on the development of his projects.
Currently, Elba is actively involved in initiatives aimed at establishing film studios in both Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana. He views this endeavor as part of a ten-year strategy to invigorate the film industry on the continent. “I won’t be able to do that from overseas. I need to be in-country, on the continent,” he remarked, highlighting the necessity of being physically present to effect meaningful change.
When questioned about where exactly he plans to settle, Elba refrained from pinning himself to a specific 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 explained. This flexible approach demonstrates his commitment to immersing himself in diverse cultural narratives throughout the continent.
Elba, born in London to a Ghanaian mother and a Sierra Leonean father, expressed a strong desire to leverage his influence as an actor to uplift Africa’s film industry. He perceives film as a “soft power” capable of challenging and changing global misconceptions about 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 colonised, how it’s just war, and when you come to Africa, you will realise that it’s not true,” he said, emphasizing the importance of showcasing the continent’s rich diversity, culture, and traditions.
He passionately advocates for African storytellers to take ownership of their narratives, stressing the need to highlight the myriad cultures and languages that exist within the continent. “We have to invest in our storytelling because when you see me, you see a little version of yourself, and that encourages us,” he noted. Elba’s commitment to this cause includes dreams of shooting films in his Accra studio, aiming to spotlight the potential of locally produced stories.
In a further testament to his dedication to African storytelling, it was recently announced that Elba will portray Okonkwo, the lead character in Chinua Achebe’s classic novel Things Fall Apart, in an upcoming TV series adaptation. This role will undoubtedly allow him to delve deeper into African narratives and present them to a global audience.
Elba’s plans to relocate and invest in Africa’s film industry resonate with a growing movement among artists and filmmakers who seek to redefine the representation of African stories. By prioritizing local talent and narratives, Elba aims to create a film landscape that not only entertains but also educates and inspires audiences both on the continent and worldwide. His commitment could catalyze a new era of storytelling in Africa, one that celebrates its complexities, triumphs, and beauty rather than just its challenges.
