What happened
The Akuna Group, chaired by Idris Elba, launched 'From Script to Screen with AI,' a free 50-week training and production program for African filmmakers. Applications are open in five countries until November 15, 2026, with curriculum developed by Curious Refuge and $1 million in funding from Google.org.
The Akuna Group, chaired by Sir Idris Elba, opened applications on October 26, 2026, for 'From Script to Screen with AI,' a free filmmaking program targeting creators in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. The program is delivered in collaboration with Google and supported by US$1 million in funding from Google.org, with the curriculum developed by Curious Refuge.
The 50-week program begins with a 12-week academy focused on foundational AI filmmaking skills. Participants then move into mentoring, pitching, and production phases. Selected teams will receive production funding to complete their films, which are scheduled to be showcased in October 2027. Applicants do not need prior film school experience or AI expertise, but must submit existing creative work.
Participants will complete a foundational course and then choose from five creative specializations. The program emphasizes that creators retain full ownership of their work, with no rights claimed by the program organizers or partners. Applications close on November 15, 2026, and are submitted online via AkunaLearning.com.
Source details: businessexplainer.co.za
Why it matters
This initiative addresses the significant gap in practical AI skills for creative industries in Africa. By providing end-to-end support from training to funded production, it aims to build a sustainable local film industry rather than just offering isolated workshops. The partnership with Google and Curious Refuge signals a major corporate commitment to democratizing AI tools for non-technical creative professionals in the Global South, potentially setting a model for other regions.
This program represents a concrete step toward integrating AI into the creative workforce in Africa, a region often excluded from early AI adoption due to cost and access barriers. By making the program free and providing production funding, it lowers the entry barrier for aspiring filmmakers who might otherwise lack resources.
The involvement of Google and Curious Refuge suggests a strategic effort to tailor AI tools for specific cultural and creative contexts, rather than applying generic Western-centric models. This could lead to more relevant and effective AI applications in storytelling and media production.
The program's structure, which moves from education to actual production, addresses the common criticism that AI training programs often fail to provide a clear path to employment or commercial viability. By funding the final films, it creates a tangible portfolio for participants, enhancing their employability.
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What to watch next
Monitor the selection process and the specific AI tools integrated into the curriculum. Watch for the first cohort's output in October 2027 to assess the practical impact of AI on African storytelling and whether the program successfully translates training into viable industry employment.
The specific AI tools and platforms used in the curriculum will be crucial to understand how AI is being adapted for African storytelling. Whether these tools are open-source, proprietary, or custom-built will impact their long-term accessibility.
The selection criteria and demographic breakdown of the first cohort will indicate the program's success in reaching underrepresented groups, particularly women, who are strongly encouraged to apply.
The quality and reception of the films showcased in October 2027 will serve as a key indicator of the program's effectiveness. Success could lead to similar initiatives in other regions or industries, while failure might highlight the challenges of applying AI in creative contexts without sufficient cultural adaptation.