Vidostream | News, sport and opinion from the Vidostream's US Edition

https://vidostream.com

Idris Elba: I’m moving to Africa to boost the film industry

The British star says he is planning to live in Ghana, Sierra Leone or Tanzania within a decade

Idris Elba is launching two film studios on the continent / THE MEGA AGENCY

Idris Elba is launching two film studios on the continent / THE MEGA AGENCY

Idris Elba has said he plans to move to Africa in the next decade, driven by an ambition to bolster the continent’s film industry.

The British actor, who is opening a film studio on the Tanzanian island of Zanzibar and another in the Ghanaian capital, Accra, told the BBC: “I would certainly consider settling down here — not even consider; it’s going to happen.”

Elba, 52, who made his name in the television series The Wire, was born in Hackney, east London, to a Ghanaian mother and a Sierra Leonean father.

 

Elba and Winnie Mandela in Johannesburg in 2013 for the premiere of Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom, in which Elba portrayed Nelson Mandela
Elba and Winnie Mandela in Johannesburg in 2013 for the premiere of Mandela, Long Walk to Freedom, in which Elba portrayed Nelson Mandela / ALEXANDER JOE/AFP/GETTY IMAGES
 

Speaking of his aspiration to relocate to Accra, he said: “I think [I’ll move] in the next five, ten years, God willing. I’m here to bolster the film industry. That is a ten-year process. I won’t be able to do that from overseas. I need to be in-country, on the continent.”

He added: “I’m going to live in Accra, I’m going to live in Freetown [the capital of Sierra Leone], I’m going to live in Zanzibar. I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories — that’s really important.”

Elba is also part of a consortium working to develop a “smart eco-city” on Sherbro Island, Sierra Leone.

He believes it is essential for Africans to play a central part in every aspect of the film-making process, including in financing, distribution and marketing.

• This is Africa’s answer to Costa Rica — here’s why

He envisions a future where film audiences worldwide will grasp the distinction between African cities, much like they recognise the differences between New York and Los Angeles, even if they have never set foot in them.

 

Elba played the title role in the crime drama Luther
Elba played the title role in the crime drama Luther / ALAMY
 

Elba said: “This sector is a soft power, not just across Ghana but across 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.

“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.”

While Elba acknowledges the talent in Africa’s film industry, he notes that the facilities are “lacking”. He believes that with the right government involvement, a cycle of growth and opportunity can be established. He said: “We have to invest in our storytelling because when you see me, you see a little version of yourself and that encourages us.”

Author: Georgia Lambert

Source: The Sunday Times

We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to browse, you are agreeing to our Cookie Policy.
You did not use the site, Click here to remain logged. Timeout: 60 second