Celebrated British actor and producer, Idris Elba, paid a courtesy visit to the University of Media Arts and Communication-Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
The visit was initiated by the institute’s Public Relations Department, which aims to foster meaningful stakeholder engagement and build valuable collaborations crucial to advancing UniMAC-IFT’s mission.
The meeting, held at the university, was attended by management and staff, led by the distinguished rector, Professor Samuel Manasseh Yirenkyi. The atmosphere was electric, blending admiration, ambition, and the promise of change for the institution.
Elba, known for his towering presence both on screen and in the creative industry, sat attentively as the university presented its rich history, notable achievements, and the pressing infrastructure challenges it continues to face.
He expressed his passion for the creative industry, sharing his mission to uplift aspiring filmmakers and storytellers. Elba also discussed an upcoming studio project—an ambitious initiative designed to provide world-class training opportunities for students around the world. To him, UniMAC-IFT was not just another institution, but a crucial partner in the larger vision of transforming Africa’s film industry into a global storytelling powerhouse.
Then, in a moment that left the room in awe, Elba made a generous pledge. As a gesture of goodwill and commitment to the institution, he announced that his Elba Hope Foundation would donate $25,000 to UniMAC-IFT. The funds, he emphasized, would be directed specifically towards supporting the institution’s infrastructure development, addressing some of the challenges highlighted during the presentation.
The room erupted in thunderous applause as Elba’s words sank in. What had started as a rainy evening had transformed into a night filled with hope and optimism.
The rector, visibly moved by the gesture, expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging that Elba’s contribution would make a tangible difference in UniMAC-IFT’s growth and capacity to train the next generation of filmmakers.
Elba’s visit to UniMAC-IFT was more than just a meeting—it was a beacon of possibility, reinforcing that Africa’s creative future is bright. With the right partnerships, the continent’s film and television industry has the potential to stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.
As Elba exited the hall, the rain had slowed to a gentle drizzle, almost as if nature itself paused to reflect on the promise made under Accra’s stormy sky—a promise of progress, empowerment, and cinematic excellence.
About the Author
Makida El Husseini is a Level 400 Broadcast Journalism student at the University of Media Arts and Communication.