Idris Elba Debuts Short Film Starring Seal

Idris Elba is looking to impact African cinema with his new film project. The British actor steps into the director’s chair for Dust to Dreams, a short film set in a Lagos nightclub. The drama was produced by Nigerian mogul Mo Abudu and stars Grammy-winner Seal.

“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.

Alongside Abudu, Elba is using Dust to Dreams as a prototype film to incubate African creative filmmaking talent — even behind the screen. The goal is to give that talent broader access to the world market.

“Commissioners would rather play it safe and just tell a story that they’ve told 20 times, rather than take a fresh story,” Abudu told The Hollywood Reporter.

Elba made his directorial debut with the short, Unstopable, in 2014; and that same year, he directed the musical film K. Michelle: The Rebellious Soul Musical (2014) and directed his first feature film, Yardie, in 2018.

“I was really honored that Idris and Mo would even consider me for this movie,” added Seal. “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.”

Earlier this year, Elba also helmed Victory, the latest album from Slick Rick. 

“Working with Slick Rick… back home in the U.K., and then offering the world of hip-hop something amazing has been a blessing. It’s literally a gift!” Elba said back in May.