In a recent interview with the British network BBC, Idris Elba revealed that he plans on relocating to Africa. He said this would be done within the next decade.
He has iterated countlessly how he wants to use his cache as a global movie star to help bolster the movie industry on the African continent, and his plans to relocate would help him focus on the task.
As seen in the interview he stated; “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen.”
He added; “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.”
He noted that his dream would not be box him in one country alone as he plans to touch the continent as a whole.
“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 stated.
According to Elba, it is imperative that Africans take center stage throughout the whole filmmaking phase.
This includes working both in front of and behind the camera, as well as in promotion, distribution, funding, and showcasing the finished work.
As per the BBC, he envisions a scenario where movie lovers from all across the world will have a better understanding of Africa, much as how they are aware of the distinctions between New York and Los Angeles.
“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 colonized, how it’s just war and when you come to Africa, you will realize that it’s not true,” he stated.
“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 added.
Idris Elba’s plan to build a studio in Tanzania
In January 2023, the British actor met with the president of Tanzania; Samia Hassan, during the 2023 World Economic Forum.
There, he mentioned a similar idea, relaying to the Tanzanian president that he aims to tell African stories.
The Tanzanian Director of Presidential communication, Zuhura Yunus, made it known that the A list actor was planning on investing in a major film studio in Tanzania.
Idris also went ahead to mention specific movie industries on the continent he believes are doing an exceptional job and reiterated his interest in helping these industries grow.
“I’m a fan of the Nigerian (film) industry. I’m a fan of the South African industry. Ghana has a very small industry. And I’m a fan of content creators in Africa, especially West Africa.
These kids that have these smartphones are making incredible content. And I feel like it’s overlooked. So I’m really a fan of trying to harness that and help that grow.”
