Hollywood star Idris Elba is set to make a significant impact on Africa’s film industry with his latest venture—a state-of-the-art film studio in Zanzibar, Tanzania. The Tanzanian government has allocated land to Elba, allowing him to fulfill his long-held ambition of contributing to the continent’s burgeoning film sector. This announcement follows a productive dialogue between Elba and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which took place at the World Economic Forum in January 2023.
Elba, renowned for his roles in critically acclaimed series like “Luther” and “The Wire,” has been vocal about his desire to develop Africa’s film industry, which he believes is ripe for growth but currently hampered by inadequate infrastructure. His vision for the Zanzibar studio is to create a facility comparable to the iconic studios of Hollywood, Nollywood, or Bollywood, potentially giving rise to a new regional film hub, humorously dubbed “Zollywood” by Zanzibar’s investment minister, Shariff Ali Shariff, during his speech at the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
The initiative is expected to provide a significant boost not only to Tanzania’s film industry but also to the broader Eastern and Central African regions. As President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s spokesperson noted, the successful implementation of this project could have far-reaching benefits, fostering growth in regional filmmaking and beyond. The film studio will offer advanced facilities and professional training, addressing some of the key challenges identified in a 2022 UNESCO report on African cinema.
According to the UNESCO report, Africa’s film industry faces several obstacles, including piracy, inadequate training opportunities, and a shortage of official film institutions. Despite notable growth in production, these issues have hindered the industry’s potential. Elba’s project aims to tackle these challenges by providing a world-class environment for filmmakers and actors, which could catalyze further investment and development in the sector.
Elba’s commitment to African cinema extends beyond Zanzibar. He has also announced plans to establish a film studio in Ghana, referred to as West African Studios. This project, which Elba has been working on for several years, underscores his dedication to enhancing the facilities available for African filmmakers. He acknowledges the continent’s wealth of talent but emphasizes that modern infrastructure is crucial for nurturing and showcasing this talent effectively.
In addition to his film industry ventures, Elba has expressed ambitious plans for his father’s homeland, Sierra Leone. He aims to build an eco-friendly “smart city” on an island off the West African country’s coast. This project, in collaboration with a childhood friend, reflects Elba’s broader vision of contributing to sustainable development and economic growth in Africa.
Elba’s investments in Zanzibar, Ghana, and Sierra Leone highlight a transformative period for African cinema and urban development. By addressing the infrastructural deficiencies and promoting regional filmmaking, Elba is setting the stage for a new era of African film production. His projects promise to elevate the continent’s cinematic landscape and provide a platform for African stories to reach global audiences. As Zanzibar prepares to welcome this new film studio, the ripple effects of Elba’s endeavors are anticipated to resonate throughout the region and beyond, ushering in a promising future for African cinema.
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