Hollywood star Idris Elba to launch film studio in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Renowned British actor Idris Elba has been granted land in Zanzibar, a picturesque Tanzanian archipelago, to establish a state-of-the-art film studio. With roots in Sierra Leone and Ghana, Elba has long expressed his desire to contribute to the growth of Africa’s burgeoning film industry.
After engaging in discussions with Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan over a year and a half ago, Elba has finally received the green light to move forward with his ambitious project. The studio, envisioned to rival those in Hollywood, Nollywood, and Bollywood, may even give rise to a new industry hub dubbed “Zollywood” or “Zawood,” according to Zanzibar’s investment minister, Shariff Ali Shariff.
During the Zanzibar International Film Festival, Shariff humorously pondered the name for the upcoming studio, showcasing the excitement surrounding Elba’s venture. President Samia, who initially conversed with Elba about the project at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, believes that the studio could not only benefit Tanzania but also the broader eastern and central African regions.
In addition to his plans for Zanzibar, Elba has also expressed intentions to establish a film studio in Ghana, emphasizing the need for better facilities to support the continent’s talented filmmakers. Recognizing the challenges faced by Africa’s film industry, Elba aims to address issues such as piracy, inadequate training opportunities, and the absence of official film institutions.
Furthermore, Elba envisions creating an eco-friendly “smart city” in Sierra Leone, his father’s birthplace, alongside a childhood friend. The duo plans to revitalize an island off the coast of the West African country, showcasing Elba’s commitment to fostering sustainable development across the continent.
As Elba continues to champion Africa’s film ecosystem and pursue his innovative projects, his efforts are poised to leave a lasting impact on the continent’s cultural landscape.
