Idris Elba Pledges Support for Africa Film Industry

Ferdinand Ekechukwu 

The news earlier in the month that British actor, Idris Elba would play the role of Okonkwo, the main character in Chinua Achebe’s classic novel, “Things Fall Apart”, in an upcoming TV series adaptation, sparked intense concerns and discussion across art community especially in Nigeria, it seems to be gaining offshoot.

The London-born actor, Elba, who has his roots in Africa with a Ghanaian mother and a Sierra Leonian father, has not stopped at its plans as he recently expressed his dedication to using his influence to elevate the industry in Africa. Elba announced his plans to move to Africa in the next 10 years as he hopes to support the continent’s film industry.

In a film industry event in Ghana, Elba expressed his intention to boost Africa’s filmmaking industry. The English actor had earlier teased that he would star as Okonkwo and executive produce “Things Fall Apart”, a TV series adaption still in development at A24 studios.

He also teased upcoming projects to establish film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania, and Accra, Ghana, as part of his vision to strengthen local filmmaking. He also stressed that he will not be settled in one location as this may have him restricted. He emphasised that its important Africans own their stories of our tradition, our culture, of our languages.

 “I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen, 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 said.

“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 added. He concluded by emphasising the need to correct wrong narratives about Africa held by non-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’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,” he concluded.

Elba is known for his roles in “Beasts of No Nation,” “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom,” “The Harder They Fall,” James Gunn’s “Suicide Squad,” and for playing Heimdall in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.