Hollywood actor Idris Elba launched a filmmaking program for African creatives using artificial intelligence, in the latest stage of his efforts to boost the continent’s movie industry. Backed by $1 million from Google, the star’s Akuna Group opened applications for a one-year training and production course for filmmakers living in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, or South Africa.

While there may be skepticism in parts of Hollywood about the technology, the initiative taps into a growing interest in using AI for media and entertainment in Africa, both to expand creative possibilities and also overcome cost disadvantages where funding constraints can frustrate projects. Participants in Elba’s program will fully own their films, but are expected to have reliable internet and consistent power to enrol. The British actor, whose parents hailed from Ghana and Sierra Leone, is behind a number of programs aimed at developing creative industries across the continent.

Infrastructure issues, such as poor broadband and electricity access, still pose a challenge for African creators who want to use AI in filmmaking. An AI-generated Yoruba-language film released this month failed to live up to expectations after its host’s servers were overwhelmed during a premiere.