Golden Globe winner Idris Elba has announced his latest venture into filmmaking with the upcoming short film titled “Dust to Dreams.” In a move to empower Africa’s creative economy, Elba will be both writing and directing the film, which boasts a star-studded cast and the backing of Nigerian superproducer Mo Abudu.
The short film, “Dust to Dreams,” penned by Elba, will feature music icon Seal alongside talented Nollywood actresses Eku Edewor and Atlanta Bridget Johnson. Making her debut in the film industry is former Nigerian Idol contestant Constance Olatunde, known as “Konstance.”
The project is part of a collaborative effort initiated last year between Idris Elba and Mo Abudu’s EbonyLife Films, aimed at nurturing emerging African talent and bolstering creative industries across the continent. Additionally, the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) is supporting the endeavor through its Creative Africa Nexus (Canex) program. Abudu will serve as both executive producer and producer for the film.
Although plot details remain sparse, a press release provided a brief synopsis, stating that “Dust to Dreams” will unfold against the dynamic backdrop of Lagos, Nigeria, focusing on the relationship between a mother and her teenage daughter as they navigate the girl’s first encounter with her father.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the collaboration, Mo Abudu stated, “I am delighted to be working with Afreximbank and this incredibly talented team. ‘Dust to Dreams’ is a story close to my heart, and I’m thrilled to bring it to life with such passionate collaborators.”
Abudu, often lauded as “Africa’s Most Successful Woman” by Forbes and ranked among the “25 Most Powerful Women in Global Television” by The Hollywood Reporter, brings her wealth of experience and expertise to the project.
Idris Elba, of Sierra Leonean and Ghanaian descent, made his feature directorial debut in 2018 with the British crime drama “Yardie.” Now, with “Dust to Dreams,” he continues his journey of storytelling, aiming to amplify African narratives and talent on the global stage.
