Idris Elba opens applications for free AI filmmaking programme

Idris Elba’s Akuna Group, in partnership with Google, has officially opened applications for ‘From Script to Screen with AI,’ a free 12-week online academy designed for aspiring African filmmakers. The initiative, supported by a $1 million grant from Google.org, aims to empower creatives from Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Sierra Leone, and South Africa by integrating artificial intelligence into the storytelling process. This collaboration seeks to bridge the digital divide in the creative arts, providing high-level mentorship and technical skills to a new generation of talent across the continent.

The programme is structured to be inclusive, with organisers explicitly encouraging women to apply. Notably, candidates do not need prior film school experience or advanced knowledge of AI to qualify for the academy. Scheduled to run from February to April 2027, the curriculum will guide participants through various filmmaking pathways, teaching them how to leverage AI-assisted tools to enhance their creative output. This approach is intended to democratise film production, making it more accessible to those who might otherwise lack the traditional resources to enter the industry.

Beyond technical training, the initiative offers tangible support for production. Participants will have the opportunity to produce their own films using provided funding and, significantly, will retain full creative control and ownership of their work. This ensures that African stories remain in the hands of their creators while benefiting from global technological standards. Interested individuals are invited to submit their applications through the Akuna Learning platform, with the application window remaining open until November 15, 2026.