The recent visit of Hollywood actor Idris Elba to Ghana for the Africa Cinema Summit has led to some controversy concerning comments he made concerning moving to the continent.
At the event, news that Elba will come live on the continent went viral. The actor himself had said as much to the BBC during at interview conducted during the summit. Multiple platforms and social media picked up on the news.
Now, one of the event organisers, Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, CEO of Ghana’s National Film Authority, has expressed displeasure that the British broadcaster failed to give credit to the event in which it got a scoop that became its most read story.
Juliet Asante’s criticism
“What really gets to me is that they didn’t even have the dignity to say that he made these comments at the [Africa Cinema Summit 2024],” she posted on LinkedIn, “but they say that he made the comments at an ‘industry event in Accra’!!! Really!!!!?”
Her post continues with a mention of one of the world’s biggest events in the business of cinema: “Not intending comparisons but this is truly disrespectful of the summit and the effort. If you had interviewed him at Cannes, would you have said ‘industry event in France?! Or whereever? We invite you and give you the biggest scoop! This article was the most read article when it came out on your platform, and you can’t even give credit where credit is due?
“Fair enough, you don’t need to mention the National Film Authority of Ghana or our partners, Silverbird Ghana or the [Nile Group] that worked so hard to get make this happen…but to not mention the Africa cinema summit is disingenuous at best for such a global and trustworthy channel…”
Asante’s post ends with a pointed finger at Ghana’s own media platforms. “And to the Ghanaian channel that are also publishing the article without the right acknowledgments, this is how we all get vanished in the end. Including yourself.
“I am choosing to voice out my thoughts on this matter, as it truly speaks to a bigger issue! And let’s all take a moment to ponder what that bigger issue is.”
Idris Elba BBC statement
In the interview, which was credited to Ghana-based journo Thomas Naadi, Elba said, he intends to do more on the continent. “In the next five, 10 years, God willing,” he said, not giving a definite timeline for his move.
“I’m here to bolster the film industry. That is a 10-year process. I won’t be able to do that from overseas. I need to be in-country, on the continent…I’m going to live in Accra. I’m going to live in Freetown, I’m going to live in Zanzibar, I’m going to try and go where they’re telling stories.”
Since Asante’s post a couple days ago, no comment has been made by the BBC or Elba. Her post has, however, received several comments expressing agreement.
