The Akuna Group, chaired by Sir Idris Elba, has launched an AI filmmaking programme called From Script to Screen with AI, aimed at African creators. The initiative will be available in five African countries: Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. This programme is designed to provide aspiring filmmakers with the tools to tell stories through artificial intelligence.
The programme is supported by a $1 million grant from Google.org and developed in partnership with Google and Curious Refuge. It offers a comprehensive curriculum, starting with a foundational course in AI filmmaking. Participants can then specialise in one of five areas: fiction, documentary, animation, advertising, or screenwriting.
The programme is structured over fifty weeks and consists of several phases. It begins with a twelve-week academy, followed by mentoring, pitching, and film production. The completed works will be showcased in October 2027. Those chosen for the programme will retain full ownership of their films.
Applications for the programme opened and will close on 15 November 2026. To apply, individuals must reside in one of the five participating countries, be at least 18 years old, have access to a laptop and reliable internet, and commit fully to the twelve-week course. They are also required to submit existing creative work as part of their application.
Sir Idris Elba commented on the initiative, highlighting its focus on access to courses that empower creators to tell their stories. He expressed excitement about how this education will lead to employment and shape the narrative of Africa. Khaled Gad, CEO of The Akuna Group, emphasized that training alone isn’t enough; creators need a pathway to take their work from classroom to screen.
The programme aims to provide a comprehensive pathway for creators, from learning to film production. Women are particularly encouraged to apply. The Akuna Group aims to enhance the creative economy across Africa, providing the skills and platforms for creators to thrive.
The programme's structure includes an open call for applications, review panels in each country, online training with certification, mentoring, pitching, and film production. Funded teams will create their films with support and showcase them at festivals. The Akuna Group's initiative seeks to empower African creators and shape the future of storytelling in Africa.
Key points
- The programme offers a comprehensive curriculum, including a foundational course in AI filmmaking and specialisation in one of five areas.
- The initiative is supported by a $1 million grant from Google.org and developed in partnership with Google and Curious Refuge.
- The programme provides a pathway for creators to take their work from classroom to screen, with completed works to be showcased in October 2027.
