The Akuna Group launched the "From Script to Screen with AI" programme on 27 October 2026 for residents aged 18 and older in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa. This initiative is specifically designed to support individuals who meet these age and residency requirements across the five participating nations. Sir Idris Elba, Chairman of The Akuna Group, stated, "For me, this is about learning. This is about access to courses that help educate creators across the continent to tell their stories." Through Akuna Learning, the initiative partners with Google and Curious Refuge to provide training and mentorship. Khaled Gad, Chief Executive Officer of The Akuna Group, noted, "Creators need a route from the classroom to the screen, and this programme carries them all the way." Applicants must submit finished work by 15 November, regardless of prior film school or AI experience.
Funding and Strategic Partnerships
Google.org provides US$1 million in funding to support the initiative. The programme is supported by US$1 million in funding from Google.org. This financial backing enables the operation of the training programme across the participating countries, ensuring that the necessary infrastructure and educational support are available to those enrolled.
Curious Refuge developed the curriculum used throughout the project. The programme curriculum was developed by Curious Refuge. Their design work ensures that the educational materials align with the technical requirements of the filmmaking programme. Akuna Learning integrates these resources into the training modules for all enrolled participants. The collaboration between these entities establishes the foundation for the course delivery, providing a structured environment for creators to develop their skills.
Application Process and Eligibility
Prospective participants may submit applications for the programme starting from 26 October 2026. Applications for the programme are open from October 26, 2026, to November 15, 2026. The window for submissions remains open until 15 November 2026. The programme is open to residents of Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and South Africa who are 18 or older. Interested individuals must provide their finished work by this date to be considered for the initiative, regardless of their previous experience in film school or artificial intelligence.
The Akuna Group scheduled the showcase of selected projects for October 2027. Selected projects will be showcased in October 2027. This event will provide a platform for the work completed by creators throughout the training period.
All participants retain full ownership rights of the creative work they produce while enrolled in the programme. Participants retain ownership rights of their work produced during the programme. This policy ensures that the intellectual property generated through the training modules remains with the individual creators, allowing them to maintain control over their artistic output as they progress through the programme and beyond.
