Nile Entertainment, the Nigerian distribution company launched last year by veteran film executive Moses Babatope, has signed a first-look deal with Action Xtreme, the genre label of the U.K.’s Sovereign Films, to co-produce and distribute a slate of action films and series in Africa.
The partnership aims to bring fresh African stories to the world stage while giving Nollywood talent and crew opportunities to work on high-level international productions. The deal kicks off with the Lagos-set action-thriller “Son of the Soil,” directed by British Chinese filmmaker Chee Keong Cheung (“Redcon-1”), which Nile Entertainment will be releasing theatrically across Africa, as Variety previously announced.
“Son of the Soil” stars British Nigerian actor-writer Razaaq Adoti (“Black Hawk Down,” “Resident Evil: Apocalypse”) as a former Nigerian Special Ops paratrooper who returns home after the murder of his sister. When he finds his community overrun by a violent drug cartel, he sets off on an emotionally charged fight for justice and redemption.
Filmed entirely in Nigeria, “Son of the Soil” is produced by Sovereign Films’ Andreas Roald (“Triangle of Sadness”), Ioanna Karavela (“Bad Day at the Office,” “Redcon-1”), Chee Keong Cheung (“The Experiment”) and Razaaq Adoti, in association with Wingonia Ikpi’s Boxonia Blueprint, whose producing credits include Nigerian box-office sensations “Ijakumo” and “Sugar Rush 2.”
The cast features Iretiola Olusola Doyle, Patience Ozokwo and Sunshine Rosman, alongside Toyin Oshionke, Damilola Ogunsi, Taye Arimoro and Philip Asaya.
Action Xtreme, a studio supported by Sovereign Media Capital, describes itself as dedicated to building grassroots talent and producing bold, action-driven stories for international markets. Through the deal with Nile Entertainment, the company aims to create a long-term pipeline of projects that showcase Nollywood’s potential on a world stage.
Cheung, who serves as the company’s CEO alongside Andreas Roald, described his first production in Nigeria as an “amazing experience” and heralded the partnership with Nile Entertainment as a sign of bigger things to come.
“With ‘Son of the Soil,’ I wanted to tell a story that is deeply Nigerian but can also connect with people around the world,” he said. “Working with Nollywood’s incredible cast and crew opened my eyes to the talent and energy here. This partnership with Nile Entertainment is the start of something bigger, and I believe it will help Nigerian films reach a new global audience.”
Babatope echoed that sentiment, adding that the pact “reflects our vision to transform the industry through meaningful collaborations that will attract global audiences.”
“This deal is bigger than one project,” said Babatope. “It’s about building a bridge that allows Nigerian stories to travel across borders. By combining Nollywood’s strong storytelling with Action Xtreme’s experience in action filmmaking, we are opening the door to a new level of recognition.”
Added Ikpi: “Producing ‘Son of the Soil’ entirely on location in Nigeria is a testament to the incredible talent and workforce in the industry. This project proves that world-class action cinema can be made here. It is a blueprint for the future of high-octane Nigerian storytelling, and I’m incredibly proud that Boxonia Blueprint could help lay that foundation.”
The companies announced the deal at the Toronto Intl. Film Festival, where Nile Entertainment is presenting two new features to buyers at market screenings: “Mother’s Love,” the directorial debut of veteran actress and singer Omotola Jalade Ekehinde, and “A Serpent’s Gift,” the latest from acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker Kayode Kasum, whose credits include the box-office hits “Reel Love” and “Sugar Rush.”
Cheung’s upcoming slate includes “The Experiment,” starring Rhona Mitra (“Doomsday”) and Famke Janssen (“Taken”), and “Bad Day at the Office,” starring John Hannah (“The Mummy”) and Radha Mitchell (“Man on Fire”), both set for release in 2026.
Action Xtreme also announced plans to bring a series of talent development programs directly to Nigeria, focusing on stunt training, action choreography and production craft. “This is about more than just filmmaking,” said Cheung. “It’s about bridging the pillars of production, distribution and exhibition, building an ecosystem where African action cinema can thrive.”
“Son of the Soil” is scheduled to premiere in Nigerian cinemas on Oct. 31 before hitting the festival circuit and streaming platforms. Its backers at Nile Entertainment and Action Xtreme describe it as one of Nollywood’s most ambitious action-thrillers to date, with the companies positioning it as both a launchpad and blueprint for a wider strategy to deliver African stories with international quality, showcase Nollywood on the global stage and create new pathways for emerging talent.
Commenting on the first-look deal, the companies added: “This long-term commitment signals that Nollywood — and Africa as a whole — is open for business on a bold new scale.”
