“Son of the Soil” Wins Major Awards at the Black Star IFF 2025

Son of the Soil emerged a major winner at the 2025 Black Star International Film Festival (Black Star IFF), which ran September 24–28 in Ghana. 

The film had its world premiere during the festival and won three awards: Best Film, Best Director for Chee Keong Cheung, and Best International Showcase.

Set in modern-day Nigeria, Son of the Soil follows a soldier’s rage, a brother’s love, and a community’s fight for redemption. Written by Razaaq Adeoti (Black Hawk Down, Resident Evil), who also stars in the lead role, the film blends action with social justice themes such as drug abuse and corruption. Adeoti’s performance draws on personal grief, cultural pride, and diasporic identity.

The cast includes Patience Ozokwor, Ireti Doyle, Taye Arimoro, and Sunshine Rosman. Produced by Nile Entertainment in collaboration with Bexonia Blueprint and Action Xtreme, the film is set for an October theatrical release, with distribution credits spanning Netflix, Lionsgate, and Showtime.

Other titles in competition included Water Girl by Nnamdi Kanaga, The Fisherman by Zoey Matinson, and Depth of Us by Awal Rahmat Abdulfatai. Deyemi Okanlawon attended as a special guest, while Moses Babatope appeared as a panelist during the festival’s masterclasses.

Additional winners were Beyond the Glory by Shederack Salami for Best Documentary, Mikoko by Angela Aquereburu for African Rising, Yamina for Best Animation, and The Power of String for the Student Showcase.