Idris Elba Plans Relocation to Africa for Film

Idris Elba has announced his intention to relocate to Africa within the next decade to enhance the continent's film industry, focusing on establishing state-of-the-art studios in Accra, Ghana, and Zanzibar, Tanzania. He emphasized the need for Africans to reclaim their narratives in filmmaking, aiming to produce stories that reflect the continent's diverse cultures rather than the predominant themes of trauma and colonization often portrayed in media. Elba, whose personal ties to Africa include a Ghanaian mother and a Sierra Leonean father, plans to immerse himself in various African cities, including Freetown and Zanzibar, to be closer to the storytelling process. He believes that a sustainable and thriving film industry requires his presence on the continent, stating that a ten-year commitment is essential for impactful change. Additionally, he aspires to create an eco-friendly 'smart city' on Sherbro Island, Sierra Leone, further contributing to regional development. His vision is to bring global attention to authentic African stories while building necessary infrastructure for filmmaking.