Photo Credit: Getty Images
Nile Entertainment, the fast-rising Nigerian distribution company founded last year by veteran film executive Moses Babatope, has entered into a landmark first-look deal with Action Xtreme, the genre-focused label of the U.K.’s Sovereign Films. The partnership will see both companies co-produce and distribute a pipeline of action films and series across Africa, marking a significant step in bringing African stories to the global stage.
The collaboration is designed to create fresh opportunities for Nollywood actors, writers, and crew members to work on international-level productions while ensuring that distinctly Nigerian narratives reach wider audiences.
The partnership launches with the Lagos-set action-thriller “Son of the Soil,” directed by British Chinese filmmaker Chee Keong Cheung (“Redcon-1”). The film stars British Nigerian actor-writer Razaaq Adoti (“Black Hawk Down,” “Resident Evil: Apocalypse”) as a former Nigerian Special Ops paratrooper who returns home after his sister’s murder. Confronted with a community plagued by a violent drug cartel, he embarks on a personal and emotionally charged battle for justice and redemption.
Shot entirely in Nigeria, Son of the Soil showcases an impressive blend of Nollywood and international talent. Alongside Adoti, the film features acclaimed Nigerian actors Iretiola Olusola Doyle, Patience Ozokwo, and Sunshine Rosman, joined by Toyin Oshionke, Damilola Ogunsi, Taye Arimoro, and Philip Asaya.
The project is produced by Sovereign Films’ Andreas Roald (“Triangle of Sadness”), Ioanna Karavela (“Bad Day at the Office,” “Redcon-1”), Chee Keong Cheung, and Razaaq Adoti. It also brings in Nigerian powerhouse producer Wingonia Ikpi of Boxonia Blueprint, whose credits include box-office hits “Ijakumo” and “Sugar Rush 2.”
Cheung, who also serves as CEO of Action Xtreme, praised the experience of filming in Nigeria: “With Son of the Soil, I wanted to tell a story that is deeply Nigerian but universally relatable. Working with Nollywood’s cast and crew has been inspiring, and this partnership with Nile Entertainment is only the beginning.”
Moses Babatope echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the broader vision of the pact:“This deal is bigger than one project. It’s about building a bridge for Nigerian stories to travel across borders. By combining Nollywood’s storytelling with Action Xtreme’s expertise in action filmmaking, we’re opening the door to global recognition.”
Wingonia Ikpi added that filming entirely on location in Nigeria reflects the strength of the industry’s talent and infrastructure:
“This project proves world-class action cinema can be made here. It is a blueprint for the future of high-octane Nigerian storytelling.”
The companies unveiled the deal at the Toronto International Film Festival, where Nile Entertainment is also presenting two new features to buyers: Mother’s Love, the directorial debut of Nollywood star Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, and A Serpent’s Gift from acclaimed director Kayode Kasum (“Reel Love,” “Sugar Rush”).
Action Xtreme, backed by Sovereign Media Capital, is also introducing talent development programs in Nigeria, focusing on stunt training, action choreography, and production craft. Cheung described this initiative as part of a larger ecosystem-building effort, “bridging the pillars of production, distribution, and exhibition so African action cinema can thrive.”
Son of the Soil will premiere in Nigerian cinemas on October 31, followed by a festival run and international streaming release. Positioned as one of Nollywood’s most ambitious action-thrillers yet, the film is intended as both a launchpad and a model for future collaborations.
Announcing the deal, the companies stated:
“This long-term commitment signals that Nollywood — and Africa as a whole — is open for business on a bold new scale.”
