Nile Entertainment Takes African Rights to Action-Thriller ‘Son of the Soil,’ From U.K. Genre Label Action Xtreme (EXCLUSIVE)

by

Nile Entertainment, a Nigerian distribution company established by film industry veteran Moses Babatope last year, has secured African theater rights for “Son of the Soil,” an exhilarating action-thriller set in Lagos, produced by Sovereign Films from the U.K., and its subsidiary label Action Xtreme.

In my perspective, I can’t help but admire the gripping drama “Son of the Soil,” starring the remarkable British-Nigerian actor-writer Razaaq Adoti, known for his roles in “Black Hawk Down” and “Resident Evil: Apocalypse.” Directed by the talented Chee Keong Cheung (“Bad Day at the Office”), this film tells a powerful story. I play the role of a former Nigerian Special Ops paratrooper who, upon learning about my sister’s tragic murder, return home to find my community under the grip of a ruthless drug cartel. Driven by a mix of anger and determination for justice and redemption, I embark on an emotionally charged journey to fight back.

Entirely filmed within Nigeria, the movie “Son of the Soil” is a production by Sovereign Films CEO Andreas Roald (“Triangle of Sadness”), Ioanna Karavela (“Bad Day at the Office,” “Redcon-1”), Chee Keong Cheung (“Bad Day at the Office,” “The Experiment”), and Razaaq Adoti. This project is also associated with Wingonia Ikpi’s Boxonia Blueprint, a production company known for hit Nigerian films like “Ijakumo” and “Sugar Rush 2.”

The performers include Iretiola Olusola Doyle, Patience Ozokwo, and Sunshine Rosman, along with Toyin Oshionke, Damilola Ogunsi, Taye Arimoro, and Philip Asaya.

This agreement, brokered at the Cannes Market by Chee Keong Cheung representing Action Xtreme and Sovereign Films, as well as Moses Babatope for Nile Entertainment, represents the latest acquisition made by Nile Entertainment, a Lagos-based distributor that’s expanding its collection of “cinematic, universally relatable African tales.” This move follows the recent procurement of “Wives on Strike: The Uprising,” produced by Nigerian creative powerhouse and YouTube sensation Omoni Oboli.

Moses Babatope, CEO of Nile Media Entertainment Group, commented on ‘Son of the Soil’ saying it’s the kind of movie we need more often: daring, moving, and unabashedly cinematic. This film exhibits all the qualities that suggest a blockbuster hit, has potential for a series, resonates worldwide, and carries an undeniably African pulse. We are honored to introduce this production on our continent.

Longtime screen artist Adoti, who additionally assumes the roles of writer and producer on this project, refers to the film as a deeply felt obligation. “It’s all about reconnecting with your origins, both emotionally and physically, and standing up for what truly matters,” he expressed. “I aimed to pay tribute to my roots while simultaneously crafting an action-packed narrative that would resonate globally. I firmly believe ‘Son of the Soil’ is that tale.

As a filmmaker, it has long been my dream to work in Africa – not just as a tourist, but by collaborating. Working alongside the team in Lagos, as CEO of Action Extreme, was an experience I will never forget. The project we produced together is authentic, emotional, and electrifying. This is action with heart.

The film titled “Son of the Soil” is set to debut in Nigerian and major African cinemas sometime between October and December 2025, with further plans for a global digital release. A teaser was previously shown to industry professionals at Cannes, generating excitement from international investors and raising expectations for what might become “Africa’s inaugural action saga with franchise potential.

Andreas Roald stated, ‘We sought a distributor who would journey with us on this film, and in Nile Entertainment, we found a genuine collaborator.’ They grasp the essence of ‘Son of the Soil’ and know how to share it with audiences not just across the continent, but worldwide.

At this year’s Cannes Market, Nile Entertainment is showcasing an array of films:

1. “Osamedi,” a deeply textured drama by director James Omokwe, exploring themes of identity, healing, and the resilience of generations.
2. “Makemation,” an AI-focused drama directed by Michael Akinrogunde, already captivating audiences in Nigerian cinemas.
3. “Red Circle,” a gripping psychological thriller from director Akay Mason, centered around a journalist on the brink of exposing a powerful crime network in Lagos.

Other titles encompass:
1. The maturing tale “Voice from Afar”
2. The politically driven drama “Power Failure”
3. The mind-bending suspense saga “Backwards in Time”
4. “Imported Spouses,” a daring, humorous, and insightful exploration of migration, romance, and the intricacies of contemporary femininity.

Read More

2025-05-17 09:18