Idris Elba to Relocate to Africa, Fueling Continent’s Booming Film Industry

Acclaimed actor Idris Elba has revealed plans to relocate to Africa within the next decade, with the goal of bolstering the continent’s thriving film industry. In a recent interview with the BBC, Elba expressed his commitment to making the move, stating, "I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider – it’s going to happen."

Elba, whose mother is from Ghana and father is from Sierra Leone, has deep roots in the continent. He aims to build film studios in Tanzania’s Zanzibar and Ghana’s capital, Accra, and plans to reside in several African cities, including Accra, Freetown, and Zanzibar. This move will enable him to remain close to the stories being told and play a more significant role in shaping the continent’s film industry.

The actor’s decision is driven by his desire to change the way Africa is portrayed on screen. He hopes to move away from colonial and trauma-based narratives, which he believes do not accurately represent the continent. "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," Elba said.

Instead, he wants to showcase the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Africa. "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 emphasized.

Elba’s relocation plans are already underway, with a television adaptation of Chinua Achebe’s classic novel "Things Fall Apart" in development at A24. Elba is set to star in and executive produce the project, which is expected to be a significant milestone in his mission to promote African storytelling.

With his relocation, Elba is poised to make a lasting impact on the African film industry, promoting a more authentic and diverse representation of the continent on screen. As he embarks on this new chapter, he is likely to inspire a new generation of African filmmakers and storytellers, paving the way for a brighter future for the industry.