Action Xtreme’s action-thriller ‘Son of the Soil’ emerged as one of the biggest winners at the 10th Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF), taking home Best Film, Best Director, and Best International Showcase. The film was also selected as the festival’s closing night feature, a slot reserved for standout titles.
Set in Nigeria, Razaaq Adoti leads ‘Son of the Soil’ as Zion Ladejo (Razaaq Adoti), a former special operations soldier who returns home after the brutal murder of his sister. In his search for justice, he confronts entrenched corruption, violent cartels, and his own inner demons.
Founded in 2015 by Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, BSIFF has grown into a premier showcase for African and diaspora cinema. Over the past decade, it has screened films from more than 120 countries and positioned itself as a platform connecting local filmmakers with global audiences. The 2025 edition screened 27 films from across Africa and the diaspora, drawing participants from over 25 countries.
This year also marked a new distribution pact between BSIFF and Majestic Cinemas in Côte d’Ivoire, designed to strengthen English and French-language film exchange across West Africa. ‘Son of the Soil’ will be among the first films to benefit, with its African theatrical release scheduled for October 31, 2025.
Juliet Yaa Asantewa Asante, BSIFF founder and chair, praised the film:
“The reaction of the crowd at the closing ceremony said it all. ‘Son of the Soil’ has elevated the conversation and shown a clear path to the value of collaboration, as well as the potential of our market for films that resonate on the entire continent and globally. Africa is the new wave of cinema.”
Director and producer Chee Keong Cheung added:
“To receive three awards is an extraordinary honour. ‘Son of the Soil’ was born of passion, with the goal to craft a film rooted in Nigeria yet speaking to universal themes of justice, redemption and identity. This recognition deeply affirms our vision. I’m grateful to the Black Star jury, Juliet Asante and her team, and to the cast and crew whose dedication made this film possible.”
Lead actor and writer Razaaq Adoti, whose return to Nollywood has been closely tracked in earlier Nollywire coverage, said:
“It’s a tremendous honour to have our world premiere on the African continent at the prestigious BSIFF. For our film to be embraced by the Ghanaian people and celebrated with these awards is as humbling as it is gratifying. As a child of Africa, it fills me with joy and pride.”
‘Son of the Soil’ is produced by UK-based Action Xtreme and Sovereign Films, in association with Lagos-based Boxonia Blueprint. The film is directed and produced by Chee Keong Cheung, produced by Andreas Roald, Razaaq Adoti, Ioanna Karavela and Wingonia Ikpi, and written by Adoti, who also leads the cast. African rights are handled by Nile Entertainment, following its recently announced first-look deal with Action Xtreme.
The ensemble cast includes Ireti Doyle, Patience Ozokwo, Taye Arimoro, Philip Asaya, Sharon Rotimi, Damilola Ogunsi and Sunshine Rosman; a generational mix of AMAA winners, festival favourites and rising stars.
This recognition marks the first time a high-profile Nollywood action-thriller has secured multiple awards at BSIFF. While the festival has traditionally favoured drama and socially driven films, ‘Son of the Soil’ signals growing acceptance of genre cinema, particularly action, within Africa’s festival circuit. The win builds momentum for African action films on the global stage, with ‘Son of the Soil’ positioned as a breakthrough title.
The film opens in English-language West African cinemas on October 31, 2025, with a global rollout to follow.
Other winners at BSIFF 2025 included Yamina (Best Animation), Coinquest (Best Short Film), The Power of the String (Student Showcase Award), Mikoko (African Rising Award), Sweet Palm Wine (Ghanaian Showcase Award), and Beyond Olympic Glory (Best Documentary).
