Idris Elba: Why I'm planning a move to Africa

Idris Elba, a well-known British actor, has recently shared his exciting plans to move to Africa within the next decade. He spoke to the BBC about his desire to support the continent's growing film industry. At 52 years old, Elba is famous for his roles in popular series like The Wire. He has a deep connection to Africa, as his mother hails from Ghana and his father is from Sierra Leone. Elba believes it is crucial for Africans to tell their own stories through film. He stated, 'I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen. ' This indicates his strong intention to relocate to Africa in the next five to ten years, as he feels that being on the continent is essential for his mission to help the film industry thrive. nnDuring his interview, Elba expressed his commitment to Pan-Africanism, which means he wants to support all African countries, not just one. He mentioned that he plans to live in various cities, including Accra, the capital of Ghana, Freetown, the capital of Sierra Leone, and Zanzibar, an island in Tanzania. He emphasized the importance of being where stories are being told, saying, 'I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories - that’s really important. ' One of his goals is to produce a film in his studio located in Accra, showcasing the talent and creativity of African filmmakers. Elba has played significant roles in films, including portraying Nelson Mandela in the biopic Long Walk to Freedom. He believes that it is vital for Africans to be involved in all aspects of filmmaking, from acting to directing, financing, and marketing. nnElba envisions a future where audiences worldwide will have a better understanding of Africa, similar to how they recognize the differences between cities like New York and Los Angeles. He stated, 'This sector is a soft power, not just across Ghana but across Africa. ' He pointed out that many films about Africa often focus on negative themes, such as slavery and war, which do not represent the true essence of the continent. He believes it is essential for Africans to own their stories, showcasing their traditions, cultures, and languages. Elba highlighted the success of Nigeria's Nollywood, which produces hundreds of films each year, and the high-quality films made in parts of Francophone Africa. He acknowledged the talent present in Africa's film industry but noted that there are challenges, such as piracy and a lack of training opportunities. Elba is optimistic that with the right support from governments and the film community, Africa's film industry can flourish and tell authentic stories that resonate with audiences around the world.