Action films dominate box offices around the world, yet they have remained a relatively underrepresented genre across much of African cinema. A newly announced partnership between Action Xtreme, Nile Entertainment and Idris Elba’s 22Summers aims to change that through Action Films Africa (AFA), a joint venture dedicated to developing commercially driven action films rooted in West African stories.

Rather than focusing solely on producing new films, the initiative also seeks to strengthen the region’s long-term filmmaking capacity by supporting local talent, expanding technical expertise and creating opportunities for action cinema to grow across West Africa.

The first project is expected to begin production in late 2026, with a second film scheduled to follow in early 2027.

Over the past decade, African cinema has gained increasing international recognition through acclaimed dramas, comedies, historical films and socially driven stories. At the same time, a growing number of African productions have reached audiences beyond the continent through theatrical releases, global streaming platforms and major film festivals.

Action filmmaking, however, has not expanded at the same pace. Producing large-scale action films often requires specialized stunt coordination, technical expertise and significant production resources—areas the new collaboration is designed to strengthen.

The Companies Behind Action Films Africa

Action Xtreme: Bringing Action Filmmaking Expertise

Founded by director Chee Keong Cheung and producer Andreas Roald, UK-based Action Xtreme specializes in action and genre filmmaking. The company has built its reputation by producing stunt-driven films while developing talent within the action genre.

Its recent Nigerian action thriller Son of the Soil demonstrated both the region’s potential for high-energy storytelling and the growing appetite for locally produced action films. Cheung will direct the first Action Films Africa feature, bringing his experience in action filmmaking to the project.

Nile Entertainment: Connecting Films with African Audiences

Led by Nigerian film executive Moses Babatope, Nile Media Entertainment Group has become one of West Africa’s leading film companies, operating across production, theatrical distribution and cinema exhibition.

Through its partnership with United International Pictures (UIP), the company distributes films from major Hollywood studios, including Universal Pictures and Paramount Pictures, across West Africa.

For Action Films Africa, Nile Motion Pictures will produce the films, while Nile Entertainment will oversee theatrical distribution across the continent, providing an established route to African audiences.

22Summers: International Experience with African Roots

Completing the collaboration is 22Summers, the production company co-founded by Idris Elba and producer Gina Carter.

The company develops film and television projects for major studios and streaming platforms, while Elba has continued investing in Africa’s creative industries through studio initiatives in Ghana and Zanzibar, alongside projects connected to the continent.

As part of the new venture, Elba and Carter will serve as executive producers across the slate, with Elba also set to direct one of the upcoming films.

"Strengthening the African film industry is about collaboration and shared perspectives," Elba said in a statement. "I am fortunate to have these partners and aim to have global success with this slate. Success breeds data and data breeds investment."

Each partner brings a distinct strength to the venture.

Action Xtreme contributes expertise in action filmmaking and genre production. Nile Entertainment provides a well-established production and distribution network across West Africa. Meanwhile, 22Summers brings international production experience, industry relationships and Idris Elba’s creative leadership.

Together, these complementary strengths create a stronger foundation for developing action films that can reach audiences both across Africa and beyond.

The collaboration could also create new opportunities for stunt performers, action choreographers, cinematographers, visual effects artists, editors and other specialists whose expertise is essential to large-scale action productions. By investing in these areas alongside filmmaking itself, the initiative has the potential to strengthen the technical capabilities of West Africa’s film industry for years to come.

African cinema has never lacked compelling stories. As the industry continues to evolve, initiatives like Action Films Africa reflect a growing ambition to tell those stories across a wider range of genres.

Whether the venture becomes a defining moment for West African action cinema will depend on the films it delivers. But by combining creative expertise, regional industry knowledge and international production experience, the collaboration represents an important investment—not only in new films, but also in the people, skills and infrastructure that could help shape the future of African action filmmaking.