Idris Elba To Relocate To Africa To Boost Film Industry

British actor Idris Elba has announced plans to move to Africa within the next five to ten years to support the continent’s film industry. 

With roots in Ghana and Sierra Leone, Elba said he is passionate about empowering African storytellers.

“I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen, I think I’ll move in the next five, 10 years, God willing,” he said.

At a film industry event in Ghana, Elba revealed his intention to establish film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana.

He plans to split his time between Accra, Freetown (Sierra Leone’s capital), and Zanzibar, immersing himself in local storytelling. 

“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 said he is committed to leveraging his influence to elevate the region’s film industry.

“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,” he said.

According to him, the film industry serves as a “soft power” that can reshape global perceptions of the 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 colonised, how it’s just war and when you come to Africa, you will realise that it’s not true.

“So, 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,” he stated.