British actor and producer, Idris Elba has announced his intention to move to Africa within the next decade to support the continent’s film industry.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday while attending the Africa Cinema Summit in Accra, Ghana, the 52-year-old actor stressed the importance of Africans reclaiming control of their stories on the global stage. While he confirmed plans to relocate to Africa in the next 10 years, he did not specify an exact location.
“I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” Elba stated. “I think [I’ll move] in the next five, 10 years, God willing. I’m here to bolster the film industry.”
Elba expressed his desire to live in multiple locations across the continent, saying, “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 criticised the negative portrayals of Africa in films and the media, which often focus on trauma rather than showcasing the diverse and authentic experiences of Africans.
“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 is just war and when you come to Africa, you will realise that it is not true,” Elba added.
The actor also revealed his ambition to one day shoot films in a studio he plans to build in Accra, highlighting the potential of locally produced stories.
In March, Elba shared plans to develop Sherbro Island in Sierra Leone into an “eco-friendly smart city.”
Additionally, the Hollywood star is set to reprise the iconic role once played by Pete Edochie, the renowned Nigerian actor, in the adaptation of ‘Things Fall Apart’.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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