Idris Elba, Google Offer Free AI Filmmaking Training for Africans

African filmmakers, including those in Ghana, have been given an opportunity to receive free training in artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking under a new programme launched by actor Idris Elba’s Akuna Group in partnership with Google.

The initiative, known as From Script to Screen with AI, will provide training, mentorship and funding opportunities to aspiring and emerging filmmakers from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa.

Applications opened on Monday, October 26, 2026, and will close on November 15. Interested applicants must submit their applications before the deadline to be considered.

The programme is supported by US$1 million in funding from Google.org, while its training curriculum was developed by Curious Refuge, a company that specialises in AI filmmaking education.

Participants will take part in a 12-week online academy from February to April 2027. The training will cover the basics of using AI in filmmaking, after which participants will choose an area of specialisation.

The available options include fiction, documentaries, animation, advertising and screenwriting.

After completing the academy, graduates will be invited to submit one-page film ideas. Those shortlisted will work in teams and receive four weeks of mentorship from film industry professionals and subject experts.

The teams will then pitch their projects to panels made up of 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 expected to be showcased in October.

Sir Idris Elba, chairman of The Akuna Group, said the initiative was aimed at improving access to training and helping African creatives 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.

Akuna Group chief executive officer Khaled Gad said the programme would connect training directly to film production.

“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.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old, live in one of the five countries and have a laptop, reliable internet and consistent electricity. They must also be available throughout the training and later stages if selected.

Filmmakers, writers, animators, photographers, editors, designers, digital content creators and other visual artists are eligible to apply. Women are particularly encouraged to participate.

Applications and participation are free. Applicants do not need a film school qualification or previous AI experience, but they must submit existing creative work demonstrating their talent and commitment.

The programme also guarantees that creators will retain control of their work, with neither Akuna nor its partners claiming ownership of the films produced.