A new initiative aimed at nurturing and showcasing Nigerian acting talent has been launched, as Action Xtreme announced a masterclass series in collaboration with Nile Entertainment and the British Council.
Unveiled on March 31, 2026, the programme is designed to spotlight leading Nigerian screen actors while equipping emerging talents with practical knowledge and industry insights. The series will be hosted by Trevor Hakim of the The New Black Film Collective.
According to the organisers, the first phase of the masterclass will focus on actors, offering a platform for established and rising stars to share their career journeys, creative processes and real-life experiences navigating Nigeria’s fast-evolving film industry.
Spanning nine sessions, the series features a lineup of notable actors including Razaaq Adoti, Damilola Ogunsi, Ireti Doyle, Sunshine Rosman, Taye Arimoro, Philip Asaya, Emeka Golden, Sharon Rotimi and newcomer Ijelu Folajimi.
Rather than conventional question-and-answer sessions, organisers say the conversations are structured as in-depth, experience-driven engagements that explore both the artistic and business sides of acting. Topics will range from script interpretation and character development to auditions, self-taping and on-set collaboration. Broader discussions will also address branding, public relations, and the growing importance of global visibility for Nigerian actors.
The series draws thematic inspiration from the action thriller Son of the Soil, currently streaming on Netflix Africa, using the film as a case study to examine performance, opportunity and international reach within Nollywood. The UK-Nigeria co-production has received international recognition, including awards at the BlackStar International Film Festival, Best of Nollywood Awards and AFRIFF.
Speaking on the initiative, Action Xtreme CEO, Chee Keong Cheung, described the programme as a platform for “knowledge-sharing, inspiration and visibility,” aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
Similarly, Donna McGowan noted that the project aligns with efforts to promote skills development and international collaboration, adding that it offers emerging talents direct access to diverse industry perspectives.
Group CEO of Nile Media Entertainment Group, Moses Babatope, emphasised the importance of building a sustainable creative value chain, stating that the masterclass would help demystify the profession while preparing Nigerian actors for global opportunities.
The initiative forms part of a broader vision by Action Xtreme to combine film production with education and talent development, particularly through cross-border collaboration between Nigeria, the UK and other international markets.
Organisers confirmed that future editions of the masterclass will extend beyond actors to include directors, producers and technical crew, further deepening engagement across the filmmaking ecosystem.
The first episode of the series, featuring Damilola Ogunsi, is now available for free on YouTube, with new episodes scheduled for weekly release.