British actor Idris Elba is championing a US$1 million artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking initiative, intended to assist African creatives in transforming their narratives into films. As chair of the Akuna Group, Elba aims to enhance the skills of aspiring filmmakers from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa through this free programme.
Launched on October 26, 2026, the initiative, titled From Script to Screen with AI, is supported by Google.org and facilitated by Akuna Learning in partnership with Google. Its goal is to empower emerging talents not only to learn new technologies but also to create films that resonate with wider audiences. The curriculum has been designed by AI filmmaking school Curious Refuge and includes training, industry mentorship, and potential funding for selected projects.
The programme will span roughly 50 weeks, starting with a 12-week online academy from February to April 2027. Participants will explore AI tools for storytelling and can specialise in areas such as fiction, documentaries, animation, and screenwriting. Alongside weekly guidance, in-person meetings will be held in the five participating countries.
After the online academy, individuals may submit original film ideas for consideration. Shortlisted candidates will collaborate in teams, guided by experienced mentors, and pitch their projects to industry panels. Those selected may receive funding for production, with filming slated for July to October 2027. While the aim is for completed films to be showcased at festivals, funding is limited and competitive.
Elba, whose family origins trace back to Ghana and Sierra Leone, emphasised that the programme is designed to provide creators across Africa with the necessary tools and knowledge to share their stories. He stated, “For me, this is about learning. This is about access to courses that help educate creators across the continent.”
Another vital aspect of the initiative is its focus on intellectual property. Filmmakers will retain ownership of their work, ensuring they do not relinquish control over their stories.
Applications for the programme are free and can be submitted via the official Akuna Learning website until November 15, 2026. Interested creatives must meet eligibility requirements to apply.
The initiative aims to enable African filmmakers to use AI in developing original films and compete for production funding, but its success hinges on transforming training into finished projects and sustainable careers.
