Idris Elba to Launch Film Studios in Africa
Earlier this month, the actor announced his latest venture, a television series based on Chinua Achebe’s iconic work, Things Fall Apart.
Born in London to African parents—his mother from Ghana and his father from Sierra Leone—the actor expressed a strong desire to contribute to Africa’s film industry during a recent event in Ghana. He hinted at forthcoming projects to establish film studios in both Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana, all aimed at strengthening local film production.
“I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” he said. “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.” Previously, he had also hinted at taking on the role of Okonkwo, the central character in Things Fall Apart, for the adaptation, sparking excitement and some concerns among Nigerian audiences. Elba, however, reiterated his dedication to leveraging his influence to elevate the African 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 added.
He emphasized his intent to move around rather than settle in a single location, noting that doing so might limit his ability to engage with diverse 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 shared.
He concluded by pointing out the importance of correcting misconceptions about Africa held by those outside 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 concluded.