Celebrated British actor and producer, Idris Elba paid a courtesy call on the University of Media Arts and Communication- Institute of Film and Television (UniMAC-IFT) on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

His visit was initiated by the institute's Public Relations Department which is committed to fostering meaningful stakeholder engagement and building valuable collaborations that are key to advancing the institute's mission.

The meeting, held at the institute, was graced by management and staff, led by the distinguished rector, Professor Samuel Manasseh Yirenkyi. The atmosphere inside was electric, an intersection of admiration, ambition, and the promise of change.

Elba, a towering figure both in stature and influence, sat attentively as the university made a compelling presentation. The showcase detailed UniMAC-IFT’s rich history, notable achievements, and the pressing infrastructure challenges that the institution continues to navigate.

Elba expressed his unwavering passion for the creative industry and his mission to uplift aspiring filmmakers and storytellers. He spoke of his upcoming studio project; an ambitious initiative designed to provide world-class training opportunities for students across the globe. To him, UniMAC-IFT was not just another institution; it was a vital partner in the grand vision of transforming Africa’s film industry into a powerhouse of global storytelling.

Then came the moment that left the room in awe with his pledge. In a gesture of genuine goodwill and commitment and a token of friendship, Elba announced that through his Elba Hope Foundation, he would donate twenty-five thousand dollars to UniMAC-IFT. The funds, he emphasized, were specifically earmarked to support the institution’s infrastructure development, easing some of the challenges highlighted in the presentation.

Thunderous applause erupted as his words settled in. What had started as an evening drenched in rain had turned into a night soaked in hope.

The rector, visibly moved by the gesture, expressed profound gratitude, acknowledging that Elba’s contribution would make a tangible difference in the institute’s growth and capacity to train the next generation of filmmakers.

Elba’s visit to UniMAC-IFT was more than a meeting; it was a beacon of possibility, a reminder that Africa’s creative future is bright, and that with the right partnerships, its film and television industry can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. As he exited the hall, the rain had slowed to a gentle drizzle, as if nature itself had paused to listen to the echoes of a promise made under Accra’s stormy sky. A promise of progress, empowerment, and cinematic excellence.

About Author

Makida El Husseini is a Level 400 Broadcast Journalism Student at the University of Media Arts and Communication.