Idris Elba’s Akuna Group has launched a free AI filmmaking programme for aspiring creators in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. The initiative, titled “From Script to Screen with AI,” aims to empower African filmmakers by integrating artificial intelligence into their storytelling processes.
Applications for the programme are now open at akunalearning.com and will close on 15 November 2026. The course is free to apply for and attend if selected.
Over the course of fifty weeks, participants will begin with a twelve-week academy followed by mentorship, culminating in a showcase in October 2027. Importantly, creators will retain ownership of their work.
The programme includes a foundational course in AI filmmaking and allows participants to specialise in one of five pathways: fiction, documentary, animation, advertising, or screenwriting. It is structured into five key stages:
1. Applications & Selection (October 2026 to January 2027): Open call for applications across all five countries, closing on 15 November 2026.
2. Learn & Get Certified (February to April 2027): Twelve weeks of online training with in-person meet-ups and certification.
3. Get Mentoring (April to June 2027): Graduates propose ideas, form teams, and work with mentors.
4. Pitch Your Film (June to July 2027): Teams pitch funded projects to industry panels.
5. Produce Your Film (July to October 2027): Funded teams create their films for festivals and showcases.
This programme targets a wide range of visual storytellers, including filmmakers, screenwriters, animators, and digital content creators. No prior experience in filmmaking or AI is required, just a commitment and some existing creative work.
Sir Idris Elba expressed that the initiative focuses on education and access, saying, “Through Akuna Learning, we’re partnering with Google and Curious Refuge… selected projects will receive production funding, and creators will retain control of their work.”
Khaled Gad, CEO of The Akuna Group, highlighted the importance of bridging the gap between training and the industry, stating, “Training on its own does not build an industry. Creators need a route from the classroom to the screen.”
To apply, participants must be 18 or older, reside in one of the five countries, and have access to the necessary technology and power supply.
The Akuna Group, chaired by Elba, aims to support Africa’s creative economy through education and resources, providing opportunities for talent to thrive in the global market.
For more details, visit www.akunalearning.com.
