Idris Elba has been allocated land in Zanzibar to launch a film studio, marking a significant step in his efforts to develop Africa’s expanding film industry.
The British actor and DJ, who has roots in Sierra Leone and Ghana, has long expressed his desire to play a part in building a film industry in Africa. According to the BBC, Zanzibar’s investment minister, Shariff Ali Shariff, mentioned at the Zanzibar International Film Festival this week that the studio could rival those in “Hollywood, Nollywood, or Bollywood,” potentially leading to the birth of “Zollywood.”
“If successful, the project will help not only Tanzania but also eastern and central Africa,” said the spokesperson for Zanzibar’s president.
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Elba, raised in East London, has previously discussed similar ambitions for Ghana. In February 2023, he shared plans to build a film studio there: “Currently, we call it West African Studios, but that’s a working title. We’ve been working on this for three or four years to raise a plan that puts a facility at the centre of African filmmaking.”
The project in Zanzibar was given the go-ahead roughly a year and a half after Elba discussed his plans with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan. The president’s spokesperson emphasized the regional benefits of the project if it succeeds.
Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region off the coast of Tanzania, is known for its stunning white beaches and vibrant tourism industry. Elba’s studio would aim to enhance the island’s cultural landscape and film production capabilities.
In addition to his efforts in Zanzibar, Elba aims to build an eco-friendly “smart city” in Sierra Leone, his father’s birthplace. Together with a childhood friend, he plans to regenerate an island off the coast of the West African country.
The UNESCO report from 2022 supports Elba’s vision, noting that despite significant growth in film production, Africa’s film industries face challenges such as piracy, insufficient training opportunities, and a lack of official film institutions. By investing in these ventures, Elba hopes to strengthen Africa’s film ecosystem and create a sustainable, thriving industry.