In a landmark announcement at the Africa Cinema Summit (ACS) 2024 in Accra, British-Ghanaian actor Idris Elba revealed plans to make Ghana his permanent home, marking a pivotal moment for the continent’s growing film industry.
Speaking at the Movenpick Ambassador Hotel during the summit, held from October 7-10, the Emmy-nominated star outlined his vision for the future of African cinema. “I’m a Ga boy,” Elba proudly stated, referencing his Ghanaian heritage alongside his Sierra Leonean roots. He confirmed his intention to relocate specifically to Ghana while maintaining a pan-African presence.
The summit, organised by the National Film Authority of Ghana in partnership with Silverbird Ghana and the Nile Group, gathered key stakeholders from across African cinema. Elba’s presence as the headline speaker underscored the event’s importance in reshaping the continent’s narrative through film.
“Africa’s film sector is a form of soft power,” Elba said during his keynote address at ACS 2024. The actor, renowned for portraying Nelson Mandela in Long Walk to Freedom (2013), is already leading the development of state-of-the-art film studios in Accra and Zanzibar, reinforcing his commitment to specific African nations rather than approaching the continent as a single entity.
Elba’s vision extends beyond infrastructure. At the summit, he outlined plans for active involvement in African cinema, from storytelling to distribution. “It’s crucial that we own our stories—our traditions, our cultures, our languages, and the differences between them,” he emphasised, highlighting the rich diversity within African narratives.
The Africa Cinema Summit 2024 marks a turning point for the continent’s film industry. While Nigeria’s Nollywood leads in production volume, the summit highlighted challenges and opportunities across regions, from Ghana’s emerging market to established industries in Francophone Africa.
“We must invest in our storytelling,” Elba urged attendees. “When you see me, you see a little of yourself.” His commitment to relocating within the next decade aligns with the summit’s broader aim to strengthen Africa’s standing in global cinema.
This announcement reflects a wider movement to recognise and celebrate African nations’ unique identities and capabilities within the film industry. As Ghana positions itself as a key player in this cinematic renaissance, Elba’s choice of the Africa Cinema Summit as the platform for his announcement highlights the event’s growing significance in shaping the future of African cinema.
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