Idris Elba's Akuna Group, Google.org Launch AI Filmmaking Program for African Creators

The Akuna Group, chaired by Sir Idris Elba, has partnered with Google and Google.org to launch "From Script to Screen with AI," a free filmmaking program for creators in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. This initiative aims to empower African storytellers to leverage artificial intelligence in film production, from script development to final screen presentation.

The program, supported by US$1 million in funding from Google.org and with curriculum developed by Curious Refuge, is a 50-week journey. It includes a 12-week online academy, mentorship, pitching opportunities, and production funding for selected teams. Participants will retain full ownership of their creative work, fostering independent storytelling.

From February to October 2027, participants will undergo foundational AI filmmaking courses and can specialize in fiction, documentary, animation, advertising, or screenwriting. The program is structured to guide creators from initial application and training through to the production and showcasing of their funded films, with in-person meet-ups planned in each participating country.

This initiative addresses a critical need for accessible, high-quality training in emerging technologies within Africa's creative sector. By providing both education and funding, it aims to cultivate a new generation of African filmmakers capable of producing globally competitive content using AI tools, thereby shaping the continent's narrative on screen and creating employment opportunities.