8.9.2025
Hollywood actor and director said his latest work “Dust to Dream” is all about showcasing African stories and talents.
The film produced by Mo Abudu opened in Toronto on Sunday. It is set in a Lagos nightclub looking to launch local singing talent. “Kiss from a Rose” singer Seal, Nse Ikpe-Etim and Constance Olalunde star in the movie.
“We want to highlight talent, and not just actors and singers, but the talent of (African) storytelling, the variation of stories, the talent of people watching this African story and really relating,” Elba told The Hollywood Reporter.
Elba is hoping that ‘Dust to Dream’ will open doors for more African creative talents in front and behind the scenes.
For Elba, putting down stakes in Africa also includes plans to build and launch a purpose-built film studio on the continent. “Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Sierra Leone are the places where I’ve been offered an opportunity to build, Ghana being the most advanced currently,” he said.
Elba also called on the African diaspora to back efforts by himself and Abudu to incubate talent on the continent and even shoot their own projects in Africa. “Come to Africa. Bring your skill set. Tell your stories,” he said.
Speaking on his involvement Seal added. “I was really honored that Idris and Mo would even consider me for this movie. But I also felt it was a really important project for me to do, to really highlight the talent in Africa. What these guys are doing is incredible in bringing Africa and African talent to the forefront.”
Seal in Dust to Dream