Idris Elba announced his plans to leave Hollywood in hopes of growing Africa’s entertainment industry. The Golden Globe winner said he started the process to launch a global hub for film studios to be built on the continent and plans to relocate there within the next 10 years.
He got the green light after meeting with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Elba is aiming to build the first studio in Zanzibar. The government has already promised to contribute 200 acres of land.
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He hopes the move will open doors for young African creators.
“A lot of media is centered around negative depictions of Africa,” Elba told CNN. “But the median age in Africa is 19; these young people are optimistic and they deserve the chance to tell their stories.”
Elba’s mother is from Ghana and his father is from Sierra Leone, so he’s often talked about his attachment to Africa.
According to a recent UNESCO report, the continent’s film and audiovisual industry could create 20 million jobs. The report also said it would add $20 million to its gross domestic product by 2030.
