Idris Elba Foundation and Google Open Free AI Filmmaking Programme to African Creatives

African filmmakers, writers and digital content creators have an opportunity to develop their storytelling skills through a free artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking programme backed by British actor Idris Elba’s Akuna Group and Google.

The initiative, titled From Script to Screen with AI, is designed to equip aspiring and emerging African creatives with practical skills in AI-assisted filmmaking, mentorship and opportunities to develop original film projects.

Applications opened on October 26, 2026, and will close on November 15, 2026. Interested applicants can apply through the official "Akuna Learning application portal: https://akunalearning.com/

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to creative practitioners residing in five African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone and South Africa.

Eligible applicants must be at least 18 years old and demonstrate their creative abilities through existing work. The opportunity is available to a broad range of visual storytellers, including filmmakers, screenwriters, animators, photographers, editors, designers, digital content creators and visual artists.

Applicants do not need a film school qualification or previous experience working with AI tools. However, they must have access to a laptop, reliable internet connection and consistent electricity to participate effectively.

Selected participants must also be available for the full 12-week online academy scheduled to run from February to April 2027, as well as subsequent stages if they progress.

Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

What Does the Programme Offer?

Supported by US$1 million in funding from Google.org, the initiative combines technical training with mentorship and potential production opportunities.

The curriculum, developed in partnership with generative AI filmmaking education platform Curious Refuge, begins with a 12-week intensive academy covering screenwriting, world-building, animation and digital production workflows.

Participants can then specialise in one of five creative areas: fiction, documentary, animation, advertising or screenwriting.

Beyond classroom learning, the programme offers opportunities to develop original film ideas, receive professional guidance and pitch projects to industry panels.

Graduates will submit one-page film concepts, with shortlisted applicants forming creative teams and receiving four weeks of mentorship from industry professionals and subject experts.

Selected teams will receive production funding to make their films between July and October 2027. Completed projects are expected to be showcased in October 2027.

Deadline and Application Details

The application process is free, and selected participants will not be charged for attending the programme.

Applicants should prepare existing creative work that demonstrates their talent, commitment and storytelling ability before submitting their applications.

The official application portal is available at "akunalearning.com" (https://akunalearning.com/). Applications must be submitted by November 15, 2026.

Interested creatives are encouraged to consult the official programme information published by "Google" (https://blog.google/intl/en-africa/company-news/outreach-and-initiatives/calling-on-african-storytellers-from-script-to-screen-with-ai/) and Akuna Learning to confirm requirements before applying.

Why Applicants Should Check the Date

Information checked: November 3, 2026.

Deadlines, eligibility requirements and programme details can change. Readers should therefore verify the information on the official application page before submitting their materials, particularly as the November 15 deadline approaches.

While the initiative offers valuable training, mentorship and a pathway to possible film production, applicants should understand that participation does not guarantee employment, funding or a commissioned film project. Participants should just put in their bests and let the foundation do the rest.

Production funding will be awarded only to selected projects following the programme's training, mentorship and pitching stages.

The initiative nevertheless arrays opportunities for African creatives to explore emerging filmmaking technologies, strengthen their portfolios and develop stories rooted in their own experiences for wider audiences.