Idris Elba’s Akuna Group Opens Free AI Filmmaking Programme in Five African Countries

The Akuna Group, chaired by actor and filmmaker Sir Idris Elba, has opened applications for a free AI filmmaking programme targeting aspiring and emerging creators in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa.

Called From Script to Screen with AI, the programme is delivered through Akuna Learning in collaboration with Google, with US$1 million in funding from Google.org and a curriculum developed by AI filmmaking training company Curious Refuge.

Applications opened on 26 October and close on 15 November 2026. Selected participants will receive training, mentorship and opportunities to secure production funding for film projects developed during the programme.

The initiative aims to help African creators use artificial intelligence tools throughout the filmmaking process, from developing scripts and stories to producing finished films.

“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.

He added that selected projects would receive production funding while creators retained control of their work.

A 50-Week Programme From Training to Film Production

The programme will run for 50 weeks, beginning with a 12-week online academy scheduled for February to April 2027.

Participants will receive foundational training in AI filmmaking before progressing to project development and mentorship. After completing the academy, graduates will be invited to submit one-page film concepts.

Selected applicants will develop their ideas into projects and assemble teams, with four weeks of mentorship from industry professionals and subject experts. They will then pitch their projects to panels representing Akuna, Google and the wider film industry.

Projects selected for funding will move into production, with creative and technical support continuing through October 2027. The completed films are expected to be presented at festivals and showcases that month.

Participants who complete the foundational course can specialise in fiction, documentary, animation, advertising or screenwriting.

The programme is open to filmmakers, photographers, designers, editors, digital content creators and visual artists. Applicants do not need a film school qualification or previous experience using AI tools.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and reside in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone or South Africa.

Although prior AI experience is not required, applicants must submit existing creative work demonstrating their ability and commitment. The organisers say this can include modest projects rather than professionally produced films.

Participants must also have access to a laptop, reliable internet connectivity and consistent electricity. Those selected must commit to the full 12-week academy and subsequent stages if they progress.

Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

Khaled Gad, chief executive officer of The Akuna Group, said the programme was designed to connect training with opportunities to produce finished work.

“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,” Gad said.

He added that applicants did not need a film school background or previous AI experience, but had to demonstrate their creative ability and submit their applications by 15 November.

The organisers have also confirmed that creators will retain control of their work, with the programme and its partners making no claim to ownership rights.

Applications close on 15 November 2026.