African Creatives Can Now Apply for Idris Elba’s Free AI Film Program

Actor Idris Elba’s Akuna Group has opened applications for “From Script to Screen with AI,” a free filmmaking program for creatives in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone and South Africa.

Akuna Learning, Akuna Group’s educational outreach arm, is running the program in partnership with Google. Google.org, the company’s philanthropic organization, donated $1 million, and online AI film school Curious Refuge will develop the curriculum. The goal is to give creators without large budgets a path from script to screen.

Applications opened Oct. 26 and close Nov. 15, with training starting in February 2027. Graduates earn certification and can pitch film ideas, and shortlisted teams receive mentorship and funding to produce their films.

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Opening Doors for African Creatives 

Filmmaking is often considered the most expensive traditional creative expression, because it requires specialized equipment, large teams, and extensive resources. This has historically kept underfunded individuals out of the field. Across the African continent, UNESCO reports that the economic potential of the film and audiovisual sectors remains largely untapped. According to the Pan African Federation of Filmmakers, the African film industry generates $5 billion in annual revenue out of a potential $20 billion. 

However, today, the widespread use of new technologies like AI has made the film industry more accessible. When creatives don’t have access to large budgets, they can use generative AI tools to produce elements of their film. “From Script to Screen with AI” seeks to empower African creatives with the skills to transform their scripts into a full-fledged production. 

“For me, this is about learning. This is about access to courses that help educate creators across the continent to tell their stories,” Elba said. “Through Akuna Learning, we’re partnering with Google and Curious Refuge on ‘From Script to Screen with AI’, a remarkable training and mentorship programme teaching African filmmakers to use AI tools.” 

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From Training to Production

The 50-week program is open to a wide range of creatives, including filmmakers, photographers, visual artists, designers, and editors. Akuna Learning strongly encourages interested applicants to apply even if they lack prior AI experience, a film school degree, or many years of industry experience. Candidates should, however, possess existing work that demonstrates their ability, vision, and commitment to the craft. The program is entirely free, but candidates must have access to a laptop, reliable electricity, and an internet connection. 

The program begins with a 12-week online course, running from February to April 2027, that trains participants in the fundamentals of AI filmmaking. It aims to help African creatives use AI tools for film production, script development, animation, and visual effects. After completion, candidates will also receive certification. After 12 weeks, teams submit a one-page film pitch to receive production funding. Specialization areas include fiction, documentary, animation, advertising, or screenwriting. Pitches will be reviewed, and those shortlisted will assemble teams. They will receive four weeks of mentoring before pitching to panels from Akuna, Google and the wider film industry. Selected projects will then move into production, with creative and technical mentorship provided. The finished films will be showcased in October 2027. 

“Training on its own does not build an industry,” said Khaled Gad, chief executive officer of the Akuna Group. “Creators need a route from the classroom to the screen, and this programme carries them all the way, from their first application to a finished, funded film.” 

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Expanding Access for the Continent 

This program is not a one-off from Elba. Over the past year, he has worked with Google to direct funds, training, and support toward African creatives. In July, he announced a collaboration with Google to provide roughly 100,000 creators in Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, Kenya, and Sierra Leone with free access to Google’s Gemini AI for content creators. Then, in the same month, his production company 22Summers joined forces with Nile Media Entertainment Group to develop a slate of West African action films. In 2024, he shared plans to establish film studios in Ghana and Tanzania.

As the African film industry grows, with hits like “The Polygamist” and “My Father’s Shadow” taking center stage, Elba is ensuring the next generation of creatives has access to the resources and skills to sustain the industry. Aspiring filmmakers should apply through the Akuna Learning site by November 15th.