Idris Elba and his production company, Akuna Group, have opened applications for a new filmmaking initiative titled “From Script to Screen with AI.”
The free programme is designed to help aspiring African filmmakers develop and produce films using artificial intelligence tools.
Applications are open to aspiring filmmakers in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa.
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Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old, have access to a laptop, reliable internet and electricity, and be able to commit to the 12-week programme and its subsequent stages.
Successful applicants, selected after the November 15, 2026 application deadline, will undergo training in AI filmmaking before choosing a specialisation in fiction, documentary, animation, advertising or screenwriting.
Participants will then receive mentorship, develop projects and pitch their ideas, with selected projects receiving funding and support for production.
The initiative is being delivered by Akuna Group in partnership with Google and Curious Refuge.
Idris Elba, Chairman of Akuna Group, said the programme is aimed at expanding access to training and opportunities for African creators while helping them tell their own stories through film.
Applications are submitted online at (https://AkunaLearning.com) between October 26 and November 15 2026. No previous experience in artificial intelligence, formal film education or minimum industry experience is required.
Selected projects will receive production funding, while creators will retain ownership of their work.
Idris Elba’s “From Script to Screen with AI”programme will be delivered in five stages.
The first stage, Applications and Selection, will run from October 2026 to January 2027. Applications are open across all five participating countries, with submissions closing on November 15, 2026. Entries will be reviewed by country-level panels before a final selection process.
The second stage, Training and Certification, will take place from February to April 2027. Participants will undergo 12 weeks of online training with Curious Refuge, supported by Akuna facilitators. The programme will also include in-person meet-ups and conclude with certification.
The third stage, Mentorship, will run from April to June 2027. Graduates will submit film concepts, after which shortlisted candidates will form teams and work with mentors and industry experts to further develop their ideas.
The fourth stage, Project Pitching, will take place between June and July 2027. Teams will pitch their projects to panels made up of representatives from Akuna, Google and industry professionals. Selected projects will receive funding.
The final stage, will allow participants to produce their own films running from July to October 2027. Successful teams will produce their films with creative and technical support before showcasing them at festivals and other industry events.
The programme is open to aspiring and emerging filmmakers, screenwriters, animators, advertisers, digital content creators, photographers, designers, editors and visual artists.