Nile Entertainment, the Nigerian distribution company launched last year by veteran film executive Moses Babatope, has landed African theatrical rights to “Son of the Soil,” a Lagos-set action-thriller from the U.K.’s Sovereign Films and its genre label Action Xtreme.
Featuring British Nigerian actor-writer Razaaq Adoti (“Black Hawk Down,” “Resident Evil: Apocalypse”) and directed by Chee Keong Cheung (“Bad Day at the Office”), “Son of the Soil” stars Adoti 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 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, 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.
The deal, which was negotiated at the Cannes Market by Chee Keong Cheung on behalf of Action Xtreme and Sovereign Films and by Moses Babatope for Nile Entertainment, marks the latest acquisition by the Lagos-based distributor as it continues to grow a slate of what it describes as “cinematic, globally resonant African stories.” It follows the recent pickup of “Wives on Strike: The Uprising,” from Nigerian multihyphenate and YouTube sensation Omoni Oboli.
“‘Son of the Soil’ is the kind of film we need more of: bold, emotional and unapologetically cinematic,” said Moses Babatope, CEO of Nile Media Entertainment Group. “It has all the hallmarks of a breakout title, franchise potential, global appeal and a heartbeat that is purely African. We’re proud to bring this to the continent.”
Screen veteran Adoti, who also serves as writer and producer on the film, describes the movie as “a personal calling.” “It’s about returning to your roots, emotionally and physically, and fighting for what matters,” he said. “I wanted to honor my heritage and also create an action story that could travel. I believe ‘Son of the Soil’ is that story.”
“As a filmmaker, I’ve always wanted to work in Africa — but not just visit, collaborate,” added Cheung, who is also the CEO of Action Extreme. “Filming in Lagos with this cast and crew was an unforgettable experience. What we created together is raw, human and explosive. This is action with soul.”
“Son of the Soil” is slated for a late Q3 or early Q4 2025 theatrical launch across Nigeria and key African markets, followed by a global digital release. A teaser was shared with industry executives in Cannes, said Babatope, sparking interest from international buyers and raising hopes for what could be “Africa’s first franchise-ready action saga.”
“We wanted a distributor that would go the distance with this film, and with Nile Entertainment, we found a true partner,” said Andreas Roald. “They understand what ‘Son of the Soil’ is about and how to take it to audiences across the continent and the world.”
Nile Entertainment’s slate at this year’s Cannes Market includes “Osamede,” director James Omokwe’s emotionally layered drama about identity, healing and generational resilience; “Makemation,” an AI-themed drama from director Michael Akinrogunde currently playing Nigerian cinemas; and “Red Circle,” director Akay Mason’s psychological thriller about a journalist on the verge of uncovering a powerful crime ring in Lagos.
Other titles include the coming-of-age story “Radio Voice,” politically charged ensemble piece “Blackout,” the time-bending thriller “Reverse” and “Imported Wives,” billed as a “bold, funny and thought-provoking look at migration, love and the complexity of modern womanhood.”