President Samia Suluhu Grants Idris Elba Land for Film Hub
Tanzania Gifts Idris Elba 80 Acres for Movie Magic
Tanzania allocates 80 acres to Idris Elba for film production...
Idris Elba to build film studio in Zanzibar, Tanzania, with President Samia Suluhu's approval, aiming to boost Africa's film industry and create a hub for African cinema.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu has greenlit Hollywood star Idris Elba's plan to establish a film studio in the country, allocating a vast 80-acre plot for the project.
This development follows a meeting between Elba and President Suluhu at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland in January 2023, where they discussed the actor's vision for the studio.
Idris Elba, renowned for his iconic roles in Luther, has long been passionate about empowering Africa's growing film industry. With ancestral ties to Sierra Leone and Ghana, the British actor aims to create a world-class studio that rivals the likes of Hollywood, Nollywood, and Bollywood.
Zanzibar's investment minister hinted at the possible nickname 'Zollywood' during the Zanzibar International Film Festival, adding: “I'm not sure what we will call it in Zanzibar, whether Zollywood or Zawood.
The President emphasized the potential impact of the project, saying, “If successful, the project will not only help Tanzania but also East and Central Africa.”
Zanzibar, a picturesque semi-autonomous region in Tanzania, boasts breathtaking white-sand beaches, making it an ideal location for the new film studio. Its popularity among tourists adds to its appeal as a prime spot for Elba's project.
Elba's ambitions for African cinema extend far beyond Tanzania. He has already explored opportunities in Ghana, where he plans to establish a film studio, tentatively named West African Studios, further solidifying his commitment to boosting the continent's film industry.
“We've been working on this for three or four years to come up with a plan that will put a facility at the center of African filmmaking,” Elba said.
Idris Elba acknowledges the abundant talent in Africa's film industry, but notes that the continent lacks the essential infrastructure to support its growth. This realization fuels his passion to build state-of-the-art facilities, starting with the studio in Tanzania.
Elba's vision extends beyond the film industry, as he envisions building a sustainable smart city in Sierra Leone, his father's homeland. In collaboration with his childhood friend, he plans to transform an island off the West African coast into a thriving eco-friendly hub, showcasing innovative urban development.
No comments:
Leave comment here