British actor Idris Elba has revealed plans to relocate to Africa within the next decade.
According to a BBC report on Wednesday, the aim is to play a key role in supporting the continent’s film industry.
The actor was born in London to a Ghanaian mother and a Sierra Leonean father.
Speaking on the sidelines of a film industry meeting in Accra, Idris noted that he is already involved in projects to build film studios in Zanzibar, Tanzania and
Accra, Ghana as part of his vision to bolster local filmmaking.
He highlighted the importance of Africans telling their own stories on the global stage.
“I would certainly consider settling down here; not even consider, it’s going to happen,” he said.
He added, “I think [I’ll move] in the next five, 10 years, God willing. I’m here to bolster the film industry – that is a 10-year process – I won’t be able to do that from overseas. I need to be in-country, on the continent.”
It was recently announced that the English actor will portray Okonkwo, the protagonist in Chinua Achebe’s classic novel, Things Fall Apart, in a new TV series adaptation.
Elba, also known for his roles in Beasts of No Nation, Pacific Rim, and Thor, said he would not commit to living in a specific place.