Idris Elba - The African Mirror

Aug

08

2024

How an Idris Elba film studio in Zanzibar would be a big boost to the Swahili film industry

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

THE allocation of an 80-hectare parcel of land in Zanzibar to Hollywood star Idris Elba to build a film studio marks a new milestone in efforts to develop a regional film industry - efforts that are being supported by local government. "Idris Elba will be building a modern studio similar to Hollywood, Nollywood or Bollywood… I'm not sure how we will call it in Zanzibar, whether Zallywood or Zawood, I don't know," Zanzibar’s Minister of Investment, Shariff Ali Shariff said during the 27th anniversary celebrations of the Zanzibar International Film Festival held between August 1 and 4, according to AFP.…

Aug

04

2024

By The African Mirror

Lights, camera, action: Idris Elba’s “Zollywood” cinematic revolution

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

IN a groundbreaking move set to transform the East African film landscape, Zanzibar has unveiled plans for an International Film Studio spearheaded by Hollywood heavyweight Idris Elba. The Tanzanian archipelago, known for its pristine beaches and rich cultural tapestry, is now poised to become the beating heart of Africa's film industry. Announced at the star-studded 27th Zanzibar International Film Festival, the government's allocation of 80 hectares in Fumba village for this ambitious project signals a seismic shift in the region's creative economy. Zanzibar's Investment Minister, Shariff Ali Shariff, heralded the studio as a game-changer, promising to catapult Tanzania onto the…

Mar

22

2024

By The African Mirror

Idris Elba plans to build an eco-friendly ‘smart city’ on a remote island off the coast of Sierra Leone

NEWS

BRITISH actor Idris Elba has revealed plans to develop Sherbro Island, a remote island off the coast of Sierra Leone, into an eco-friendly 'smart city'. The initiative aims to create an 'afro-dynamic eco-city' that prioritizes sustainability, community, and economic growth were reported by the British tabloid Daily Mail in an exclusive report. According to the Mail, Sherbro Alliance Partners (SAP), the development team behind the project, is committed to preserving the island's delicate ecosystem, which spans 230 square miles and includes mangrove forests and sea turtle nesting sites. With a population of approximately 40,000 people, most of whom are engaged…

Feb

04

2023

By The African Mirror

Lights, camera, action: Idris Elba boost to Swahili film industry

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

DAR ES SALAAM (BIRD STORY AGENCY) - British actor Idris Elba plans to open a major film studio in Tanzania after holding initial talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan. Tanzanian's Director of Presidential Communications, Zuhura Yunus, recently made this announcement during a media briefing session on the outcome of President Hassan's trip to the 53rd World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. "The president met with Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina, and they are keen to invest in a film studio in Tanzania," said Yunus. "Discussions on the project have just begun, and if successful, the project will help not…

Jan

18

2023

By The African Mirror

Davos 2023: Idris Elba calls for investment to help world’s poor

NEWS

KATHRYN LURIE ACTOR Idris Elba and his wife Sabrina Dhowre Elba called for business and political leaders to provide more support to the world's poorest countries in the form of investment rather than aid. At the opening ceremony of the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual meeting in the Swiss mountain resort of Davos, the Elbas were both honoured for their work on environmental conservation, food security and climate change. The couple, who are Goodwill Ambassadors for the United Nations' International Fund for Agricultural Development, appealed to participants at the annual summit for fast financial support for people hit by food…

Mar

02

2021

By The African Mirror

Idris Elba, Naomi Campbell stand up for Ghana LGBT+ community

LGBT+

HUGO GREENHALGH ACTOR Idris Elba and model Naomi Campbell have joined 65 other British celebrities, designers and politicians in calling for Ghana's president to engage with the country's LGBT+ community in an open letter published on social media. A public outcry last week forced the country's first LGBT+ community centre to temporarily close to protect its staff and visitors, just three weeks after it had opened. Church groups, politicians and anti-gay rights organisations have called on the government to shut the centre, run by local charity LGBT+ Rights Ghana, and arrest and prosecute those involved. "We see you and we…