The presence of the Golden Globe–winning British actor Idris Elba at the Africa Cinema Summit in Accra, the capital of Ghana, made it apparent that he was more than just a guest.
The television and movie star, who was born and raised in London to Ghanaian and Sierra Leonean parents, was present at the continent’s biggest film industry gathering as a fervent supporter of African cinema’s future.
Elba, who has acted in movies about Africa, such “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” and “Beasts of No Nation,” which was filmed in Ghana, has always been outspoken about his strong ties to the region. Elba assumed the role of ambassador at this year’s summit, which unites industry stakeholders, advocating for the value of African tales and the most effective ways to express them worldwide.
The future of African Cinema
“African cinema is not young. The 52-year-old noted, “We’ve been around for a long time,” citing the rich history of French-speaking Africa in cinema. “But our stories have yet to springboard on that wider landscape.”
As he spoke, Elba’s conviction about the unrealized promise of African cinema was evident. According to him, increasing its visibility through improved distribution networks, infrastructure, and linking filmmakers with audiences across the continent and beyond is crucial.
“We need bums on seats,” Elba declared. The distribution we make now will determine the future. First, we need to pack the theaters with our own people.” Elba’s approach differs from those of other business heavyweights who frequently prioritize international prominence above Africa. Elba expressed his desire for African film to be as successful at home as it is overseas.
He compared it to Hollywood, where box office receipts both domestically and internationally are used to determine success.
But Elba has been influencing the direction of African cinema, not just watching it happen from the sidelines.
Through his production firms, IE7 and The Akuna Group, he has already begun to nurture African talent and invest in the continent’s creative sectors.
Passion and optimism
Where others might see the challenges of financing, education, or infrastructure as barriers to progress, Elba said he was optimistic — he saw “opportunities in the waiting”.
“A lot of young filmmakers are making films on their phones,” he told AFP, excitedly describing the innovative, grassroots approach emerging from Africa’s youth. “But we still need to amplify those films. We still need distribution methods.”
He argued that African filmmakers must not rely solely on global streaming giants like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Though he acknowledged the value of these platforms in showcasing African content to international audiences, he insisted true success lay in building local capacity and infrastructure.
A legacy in the making
Elba emphasized that African filmmakers must take responsibility for their artistic lives. “Just do it,” he counseled budding directors. “The barrier between making your film and dreaming about it is much shorter now.”
Elba’s early enthusiasm for acting sprang from his love of storytelling, which he pursued while performing a variety of professions during his boyhood in London.
His breakout performance was in the critically acclaimed US series “The Wire,” where he played drug lord Russell “Stringer” Bell. He later solidified his star power in the British crime series “Luther,” for which he won a Golden Globe.
Elba has become a highly esteemed and significant actor worldwide due to his diverse career, which includes both independent and Hollywood blockbusters.
In addition, he expressed a sense of duty to make sure that African stories are seen by as many people as possible, given his prominence as one of Hollywood’s most visible performers of African descent. “We still have a long way to go,” Elba said.
But as the lights went down on this year’s Africa Cinema Summit, Elba presented a picture that went beyond honors and awards to include a thriving cinema industry that continues to draw attention from around the globe and connect intimately with African audiences.