Accra is getting ready to welcome the second edition of the African Film Summit, where Idris Elba, as the guest of honor, advocates for the elevation of African stories on the global stage.
Accra, the capital of Ghana, is hosting the second edition of the African Film Summit, an event that showcases the talents of the African continent. Among the distinguished guests is actor Idris Elba, who holds dual British and Sierra Leonean nationalities and was born to a Ghanaian mother. He advocates for a crucial mission: to promote and support the African film industry.
Renowned for his notable roles in the series The Wire and Luther, the latter having earned him a Golden Globe, Elba enjoys global recognition. His filmography ranges from blockbusters like Prometheus and Thor to more independent films such as Beasts of No Nation, which tells the story of a child soldier in Africa. Today, he places African cinema at the forefront of his concerns.
International stage
“African cinema is not new. We have existed for a long time, but our stories have not yet found their place in the broader landscape,” the 52-year-old actor told AFP, emphasizing the importance of Africa's cinematic heritage. For Elba, the development of African cinema relies on improving distribution channels and fostering connections between filmmakers and local audiences.
He highlights a major challenge: Africa only has 1,700 movie theaters for a population of 1.5 billion people, compared to 44,000 in the United States. “We need audiences; we must fill our cinemas with our people,” he insists. At the same time, he warns against excessive dependence on streaming platforms like Netflix, urging filmmakers to take ownership of their narratives.
Building a viable ecosystem
Juliet Asante, the CEO of the National Film Authority of Ghana, shares Elba's perspective. “Africa has 1.5 billion people, most of whom have never been to the cinema. Yet, they represent the next generation of film consumers,” she states. However, to build a viable ecosystem, attracting investments, especially from the diaspora and governments, is crucial.
Currently, the African film industry generates about $5 billion annually but suffers from a lack of infrastructure and funding. According to a UNESCO report, increased investment could create 20 million jobs and generate up to $20 billion in annual revenue.
To catalyze this change, Elba is investing in the establishment of studios in Ghana and Zanzibar, projects that are still in their infancy. His optimism in the face of industry challenges is palpable. He views obstacles as opportunities. “Nowadays, many young filmmakers are making films with their phones,” he observes, excited about the new possibilities available to aspiring African directors, who are no longer burdened by the costs of expensive filming equipment.
Elba encourages aspiring filmmakers to take the plunge, learn on the job, and believe in their projects. His message is clear: Go for it, because the potential of African cinema is immense.
With AFP
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