British actor Idris Elba made a significant impact at the Africa Cinema Summit in Accra, Ghana, advocating for the future of African cinema.
Born to a Sierra Leonean father and a Ghanaian mother, the Golden Globe-winning star’s deep connection to Africa was evident.
Elba, known for his roles in Africa-centered films like “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom” and “Beasts of No Nation,” took on an ambassadorial role at the summit.
The event, which brought together industry stakeholders, focused on the importance of African stories and strategies for global promotion.
The 52-year-old actor emphasized that African cinema is not new but needs a platform for global recognition.
He highlighted the continent’s young population and the limited number of cinemas compared to the United States and China.
Ghana’s National Film Authority reports Africa has around 1,700 cinemas, while the U.S. and China have over 44,000 and 75,500, respectively.
Elba stressed the need to boost African cinema through improved infrastructure, distribution channels, and audience engagement.
“We need bums on seats,” he said, advocating for an Africa-first approach that prioritizes local success before international recognition.
The actor’s vision includes investing in African creative industries through his companies, IE7 and The Akuna Group, to nurture local talent.
Elba remains optimistic, viewing challenges like financing and education as opportunities.
He highlighted the rise of young filmmakers using mobile technology to create content but stressed the need for better distribution methods.
Elba warned against over-reliance on global streaming platforms like Netflix, emphasizing the importance of building local infrastructure.
He envisions a self-sustaining African film ecosystem with independent distribution channels that serve both domestic and international markets.
