Idris Elba’s recent announcement of his plans to relocate to Africa to support the continent’s movie industry has sparked a new conversation: Does Elba hold the magic wand to transform African cinema? The British actor, known for his role in The Wire, aims to leverage his global fame to bolster African filmmaking, with projects in Ghana and Zanzibar already in motion.

Elba’s vision aligns with a growing call for Africans to tell their own stories, capturing the continent’s diversity beyond the usual narratives of trauma and conflict. He highlights the importance of empowering Africans in all aspects of filmmaking—from production to financing and distribution—emphasizing that the world needs to understand the depth of African cultures, languages, and traditions.

Yet, there’s another school of thought. Some argue that only Africans who have lived and experienced the continent can authentically tell its stories. This sentiment was evident during the controversy over Elba’s casting as Okonkwo in a planned Things Fall Apart adaptation, where many Nigerians felt an African actor should take the role.

While Elba’s commitment is commendable, the question remains: Can he truly lead this charge? Piracy, inadequate training, and a lack of institutional support still plague the industry. For Elba’s dream to succeed, it will require more than star power—it will demand deep collaboration with African creators, governments, and institutions.

The world is watching to see if Elba can indeed empower African filmmakers to tell their own stories on their terms, shaping a new narrative for African cinema.

Image credit: BBC