African filmmakers with stories to tell but limited access to training and production resources have a new opportunity, as British actor Idris Elba opens applications for a $1m-backed artificial intelligence filmmaking programme in five countries.
Launched on October 26, 2026, the initiative offers aspiring filmmakers and other visual storytellers in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa free training, industry mentorship and the chance to secure funding to produce their own films
The programme, From Script to Screen with AI, is being delivered through Akuna Learning, part of The Akuna Group chaired by Elba, in collaboration with Google. It is supported by $1m from Google.org, with the curriculum developed by specialist AI filmmaking school Curious Refuge.
Unlike many short-term technology courses, the programme is designed to take participants from learning new skills to developing and potentially producing films. It also promises something that matters enormously to independent creators: ownership of their work.
For a young filmmaker with a promising script but no production budget, the biggest obstacle is often not imagination. It is finding the money, equipment and industry connections needed to turn an idea into something audiences can watch.
Akuna Learning hopes to narrow that gap.
The programme will run for approximately 50 weeks, beginning with a 12-week online academy between February and April 2027.
Participants will learn how to use AI tools in storytelling before specialising in fiction, documentary, animation, advertising or screenwriting.
Training will be supported by weekly guidance from Akuna Learning and in-person gatherings in each participating country.
Those who complete the academy can submit original ideas for consideration. Shortlisted creators will then form teams, work with experienced mentors and prepare pitches for industry panels.
Projects selected for funding will enter production between July and October 2027, with completed films expected to be presented at festivals and showcases.
Production funding is not guaranteed to every participant.
For Elba, whose family roots are in Ghana and Sierra Leone, the initiative is part of a broader effort to give African creators the skills and opportunities to tell their own stories.
‘For me, this is about learning. This is about access to courses that help educate creators across the continent to tell their stories,’ he said.
He hopes the programme will also help participants build careers, generate income and contribute to changing how Africa is portrayed on screen.
An important feature is the organisers’ commitment to creative ownership. According to Akuna, filmmakers will retain control of their intellectual property, with the programme and its delivery partners making no claim to ownership rights.
That assurance is particularly relevant in an industry where emerging filmmakers can struggle to secure financing without giving up valuable rights to their work.
The launch follows earlier efforts by Elba and Google to expand access to creative technology across Africa.
As Africa Briefing reported in July, the partners announced plans to support 100,000 African creators with AI tools and training.
The latest announcement provides a more clearly defined filmmaking pathway, including mentoring, project pitching and production opportunities.
Who can apply?
Applicants do not need to have attended film school or worked with AI before.
The programme welcomes filmmakers, photographers, animators, screenwriters, designers, editors, advertising creatives and other emerging visual storytellers.
However, candidates must demonstrate some creative ability through examples of previous work, even if those projects were produced with limited resources.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old and physically resident in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone or South Africa.
They will also need a laptop, reliable internet access and consistent electricity, and must be able to commit to the academy and subsequent stages if selected.
Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications and training are free. Interested creators can apply through the official Akuna Learning website before the November 15, 2026 deadline.
