Akuna Learning, the education division of Sir Idris Elba's pan-African enterprise The Akuna Group, has launched a free multi-country training and funding initiative called "From Script to Screen with AI." This 50-week program, developed in collaboration with Google and Curious Refuge, aims to equip African creators with cutting-edge artificial intelligence tools. The initiative is open to emerging visual storytellers across five African nations: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa.
Applications for the program opened on October 26, 2026, and will close on November 15, 2026, via akunalearning.com. The program is entirely free to apply for and attend. Participants will retain full ownership and intellectual property rights over all content produced throughout the course, with no claims made by Akuna Learning or its corporate partners. This program accepts filmmakers, screenwriters, animators, advertisers, digital content creators, photographers, editors, and visual artists.
Applicants do not require prior experience with artificial intelligence or formal film school qualifications. Following a foundational module on AI filmmaking, participants will specialize in one of five distinct creative tracks: Fiction, Documentary, Animation, Advertising, and Screenwriting. The 50-week journey is structured across five sequential phases: Applications & Selection, Learn & Get Certified, Get Mentoring, Pitch Your Film, and Produce Your Film.
The program's structure ensures that participants receive comprehensive training and support throughout the 50-week journey. The first phase, Applications & Selection, will evaluate open calls across all five countries through regional and cross-continental review panels. The Learn & Get Certified phase will be a 12-week online academy facilitated by Curious Refuge, supported by local in-person meetups and industry certification.
Sir Idris Elba, Chairman of The Akuna Group, emphasized the importance of storytelling autonomy and skills development. He stated that the program is about learning and access to courses that help educate creators across the continent to tell their stories. Khaled Gad, Chief Executive Officer of The Akuna Group, highlighted the end-to-end structure of the initiative, which carries creators from the classroom to the screen.
To be eligible, applicants must physically reside in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or South Africa, be at least 18 years old, possess a laptop, consistent power supply, and reliable internet access. They must also commit fully to the 12-week online training phase and subsequent production cycles if selected, and submit samples of past creative work demonstrating talent and dedication.
Organisers strongly encourage women creators across the five target countries to apply. The program will provide production funding to selected projects, and creators will retain control of their work. The initiative aims to shape the narrative of Africa by empowering creators with AI tools and skills. The program's impact is expected to be significant, with the potential to lead to employment and self-momentum for the selected creators.
Key points
- The program is free to apply for and attend, and participants will retain full ownership and intellectual property rights over their work.
- The initiative is open to creators from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa, and applications will be evaluated through regional and cross-continental review panels.
- The 50-week program includes five sequential phases, from applications and selection to production and festival showcases.
