Idris Elba, Google Launch Free AI Filmmaking Training Programme for African Creatives

Applications open to aspiring filmmakers in five African countries, with selected participants set to receive mentorship and production funding.

African filmmakers and emerging creative talents have been offered a new opportunity to develop their skills in artificial intelligence (AI) filmmaking following the launch of a free training programme by award-winning actor Idris Elba's Akuna Group in partnership with Google.

The initiative, known as From Script to Screen with AI, is designed to equip aspiring and emerging African creatives with the technical knowledge, mentorship and practical experience needed to use artificial intelligence in storytelling and film production.

Supported by US$1 million in funding from Google.org, the programme is being delivered through Akuna Learning, the educational platform of The Akuna Group, with a curriculum developed by AI filmmaking education company Curious Refuge.

Applications opened on October 26, 2026, and will close on November 15, 2026.

Who Can Apply?

The programme is open to eligible applicants living in five African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Sierra Leone and South Africa.

It targets a broad range of creative professionals, including filmmakers, screenwriters, animators, photographers, digital content creators, graphic designers, video editors and visual artists.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old and physically reside in one of the participating countries.

They must also have access to a laptop, reliable internet connectivity and a consistent electricity supply throughout the programme.

Although previous experience in artificial intelligence or formal film school qualifications is not required, applicants must provide samples of existing creative work demonstrating their talent, creativity and commitment.

Women are particularly encouraged to apply.

What Will Participants Learn?

Selected participants will undertake an intensive 12-week online academy scheduled to run from February to April 2027.

The training will introduce participants to AI-assisted filmmaking, storytelling, screenwriting, animation, world-building and digital production techniques.

After completing the foundational training, participants will have the opportunity to specialise in one of five creative pathways:

Fiction: Narrative filmmaking and scripted storytelling.
Documentary: Real-life stories and factual filmmaking.
Animation: Animated storytelling and visual world-building.
Advertising: Creative campaigns and commercial storytelling.
Screenwriting: Script development, dialogue and storytelling structure.
The programme will also provide opportunities for mentorship, creative collaboration and professional development.

From Training to Film Production

Beyond education, the initiative aims to create a pathway for emerging African filmmakers to turn their creative ideas into completed productions.

Following the academy, graduates will be invited to submit one-page film concepts. Selected applicants will then have the opportunity to form creative teams and receive four weeks of mentorship from experienced industry professionals and subject experts.

Shortlisted teams will pitch their projects to panels involving representatives from Akuna, Google and the wider film industry.

Projects selected for support will receive production funding, with filming expected to take place between July and October 2027. Completed films are scheduled to be showcased in October 2027.

Importantly, the organisers have indicated that participating creators will retain control of their work, with the programme and its partners making no ownership claims over the films produced.

Why the Programme Matters for Young African Creators

The initiative comes at a time when artificial intelligence is creating new possibilities across the global film and entertainment industries.

For young African creatives, access to professional training, technology and industry mentorship can make a significant difference in overcoming some of the barriers associated with filmmaking.

Many talented storytellers have compelling ideas but lack the financial resources, technical skills or professional connections required to transform those ideas into films.

By combining AI education with mentorship and potential production funding, the programme seeks to help bridge that gap.

It also presents an opportunity for African filmmakers to explore new storytelling techniques while bringing authentic African experiences, cultures and perspectives to international audiences.

For young creators, the opportunity goes beyond learning how to use AI tools. It offers a potential pathway to professional growth, collaboration and greater participation in the global creative economy.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official Akuna Learning website:

https://akunalearning.com/

Applications close on November 15, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to review the eligibility requirements carefully, prepare samples of their previous creative work and ensure they can commit to the full training programme.

The programme is free to apply for and free to attend for successful participants.

With applications now open, aspiring African filmmakers have an opportunity to develop new skills, strengthen their creative portfolios and potentially take their stories from script to screen.

Application deadline: November 15, 2026.