By: Ayishietu Asiedu
British actor Idris Elba has announced plans to invest in a major film studio in Tanzania.
This news comes just days after the actor and humanitarian, along with his wife Sabrina Elba, met with President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the 53rd World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.
Director of Presidential Communications, Zuhura Yunus, revealed the news while briefing journalists on Monday, highlighting the successful outcome of President Hassan’s trip.
“Discussions on the project have just begun, and if successful, the project will help not only Tanzania but also Eastern and Central Africa,” she said.
With an estimated net worth of $40 million, British movie star Idris Elba is not only making waves in Hollywood, but is also looking to make a difference in the African film industry.
In an interview with South Africa’s SA People, Elba revealed his desire to not only make more films in Africa, but to help develop the industry on the continent:
“I’m really keen on the development of Africa. My parents come from Africa and more than anywhere in the world, I feel like that continent deserves some real tender care and love and thought.
“Young Africans view me as a leader or a beacon. And I feel like I could bring something. So I’m keen to bring what I’ve learned in media and amplify it in Africa.
His latest movie, Beast, was entirely shot in South Africa, and Elba hopes that his work will inspire more major films to be made in Africa.
With his mother hailing from Ghana and his father from Sierra Leone, Elba is passionate about using his platform to make a positive impact on the continent.
Idris Elba is renowned for his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in the biopic film, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, released in 2013. His impressive performance has earned him four Golden Globe Award nominations for Best Actor in a Miniseries or TV Film.
Elba has also established a successful career as a musician, performing as DJ Big Driss and as an R&B artist.
In 2016, he was included in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in the World.
His films have earned an impressive $9.8 billion at the global box office, with $3.6 billion in North America alone, making him one of the highest-grossing actors of all time.
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