Nollywood’s action genre takes a bold leap forward with Dead Tide, a high-octane thriller that premiered to fanfare at Rushing Tap Studios in Lagos. Directed by Soji Ogunnaike and produced by POV Films in collaboration with Rushing Tap Studios, the film has already been dubbed one of the most powerful Nigerian action films of the year.
The premiere, held before the movie’s nationwide release on August 1, drew a crowd of notable industry figures—actors, filmmakers, critics, influencers, and media personalities. The event doubled as a celebration of the film’s ambition to redefine Nigerian action cinema with its gritty storytelling and elevated production values.
Dead Tide follows Itoro, a reformed Niger Delta militant seeking a quiet life after the tragic loss of his sister. His peace is shattered when Sade, a popular social media influencer, captures the President’s son committing a murder on camera, dragging both of them into a deadly chase for justice and survival.
The cast features a dynamic lineup of Nollywood stars, including Ikechukwu Onunaku, Mobimpe Adedimeji, Eniola Ajao, Uche Nwoko, Ibrahim Suleiman, Tope Olowoniyan, Folu Storms, William Benson, Saga Adeolu, Victor Bekewei, Adamson ‘Adams Effect’ Ibrahim, and Ayokunle Odeleye.
“We’ve noticed how quickly audiences move past typical drama plots,” said Director and Executive Producer Soji Ogunnaike at the premiere. “So, we took a risk. We made something different and visually striking. With Dead Tide, we wanted to push Nigerian cinema forward and position Rushing Tap Studios as a spectacular content powerhouse.”
Echoing this sentiment, Moses Babatope, CEO of The Nile Media Entertainment Group—the film’s distributor—added, “The Nigerian audience is evolving. We’re seeing demand for deeper, action-packed movies that tell bold, authentic, and relevant stories. Dead Tide delivers on every front, and we are proud to bring this to cinemas nationwide.”
Dead Tide is set to hit cinemas on Friday, August 1, with screenings scheduled across major cities including Lagos, Abuja, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Benin, Enugu, Warri, Anambra, and more.
CAPTION: L-R: Victor Bekewei, Emmanuel Ilemobayo, Adamson Ibrahim, Soji Ogunnaike, Ayokunle Odeleye, Emmanuel Udeoji, Uche Nwoko, William Benson
