Idris Elba launches free AI filmmaking programme for African creatives

African creatives in Ghana and four other countries can apply for a free artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking programme launched by actor Idris Elba’s Akuna Group in partnership with Google.

The initiative, titled From Script to Screen with AI, aims to equip aspiring and emerging filmmakers with skills in AI-assisted storytelling, alongside mentorship and film production opportunities. Applications opened on Monday, 26 October 2026, and close on 15 November 2026.

Supported by US$1 million in funding from Google.org, the programme’s curriculum was developed by AI filmmaking training company Curious Refuge. It is open to eligible applicants in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa.

Participants will undergo a 12-week online academy from February to April 2027, covering the fundamentals of AI filmmaking before choosing a specialist area.

The available pathways are fiction, documentary, animation, advertising and screenwriting, allowing participants to develop their skills across different aspects of visual storytelling.

Following the training, graduates will be invited to submit one-page film ideas. Those shortlisted will form teams and receive four weeks of mentorship from industry professionals and subject experts before pitching their projects to panels comprising representatives from Akuna, Google and the wider film industry.

Selected teams will receive funding to produce their films between July and October 2027, with the completed projects scheduled to be showcased in October 2027.

Sir Idris Elba, chairman of The Akuna Group, said the initiative was intended to widen access to training and enable African creators 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. 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. Selected projects will receive production funding, and creators will retain control of their work. I’m looking forward to seeing the stories they choose, and how the education leads to employment and self-momentum, but helps shape the narrative of Africa,” he said.

Khaled Gad, chief executive officer of The Akuna Group, said the programme was designed to take participants beyond training and provide a pathway towards producing finished films.

“Training on its own does not build an industry. 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. It opens on the same day and runs to the same standard in all five countries. You do not need a film school background or any experience with AI to apply. You need finished work that shows what you can do, and your application in by 15 November,” he said.

The programme targets a broad range of visual storytellers, including filmmakers, screenwriters, animators, digital content creators, photographers, designers, editors and visual artists.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in one of the five participating countries and have access to a laptop, reliable internet and consistent electricity. They must also be available for the full 12-week academy and subsequent stages if selected to progress.

No film school qualification or previous AI experience is required. However, applicants must submit existing creative work that demonstrates their talent and commitment. Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

Applications are free, and successful applicants will not pay to participate. Creators will also retain control of their work, with neither the programme nor its partners claiming ownership rights over the films produced.

Interested applicants can submit their applications through Akuna Learning before the 15th November deadline.