Idris Elba's Akuna Group and Google open a free AI filmmaking programme in five African countries

Akuna Learning, the education arm of The Akuna Group chaired by actor Idris Elba, has opened applications for a free AI filmmaking programme run with Google. Called From Script to Screen with AI, it targets creators in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and South Africa. Google.org is contributing $1 million, and the curriculum comes from Curious Refuge, a platform that teaches generative AI production. Applications opened on 26 October and close on 15 November 2026, according to Akuna's announcement as reported by Bizcommunity and CIO Africa.

How the programme is structured

The first stage is a 12-week online academy scheduled from February to April 2027. It starts with the basics of AI-assisted filmmaking, then splits into five tracks: fiction, documentary, animation, advertising and screenwriting. Google's Africa managing director, Alex Okosi, writes that the curriculum covers screenwriting, world-building, animation and digital production workflows, with mentoring and portfolio reviews from industry figures and Google teams.

Graduates can then submit one-page film ideas. Those shortlisted form teams, receive four weeks of mentoring and pitch to panels drawn from Akuna, Google and the film industry. Selected projects get production funding, with production running from July to October 2027 and a showcase planned for October 2027. Neither Google nor Akuna has said how many participants will be admitted or how many films will be funded.

Who can apply

Applicants must be at least 18 and live in one of the five countries. No film school background or prior AI experience is required, but candidates must submit existing creative work and have a laptop, reliable internet access and a steady electricity supply, and commit to the full programme. The call is open to filmmakers, photographers, designers, editors, visual artists and other digital creators, and women are strongly encouraged to apply. Akuna says creators will retain control of their work and that the partners claim no ownership rights over it.

Context

The programme gives concrete shape to a partnership first announced in July at Google's Africa Cloud Summit in Johannesburg, where Google and Akuna pledged $1 million to help African creators use generative AI tools, according to Tubefilter. The October announcements do not state whether the new Google.org funding is that same commitment. The equipment and connectivity requirements may also limit who can take part in markets where power and broadband remain unreliable.