Meet Collins Archie-Pearce, the Freetown born who helped to reshape Nollywood

By Sola Adeyemo

Collins Archie-Pearce is a force to be reckoned with in the African film industry. Born in Freetown, Sierra Leone, this talented individual has worn many hats – film producer, director, actor, and screenwriter. His journey began in the late 1990s, and since then, he’s made a name for himself in Nollywood and beyond.

Growing up in Freetown wasn’t easy for Collins. He lost his father at just three years old, and his mother worked tirelessly to provide for him. This challenging upbringing fueled his determination to succeed. He relocated to the UK in 1991 and pursued Business Management at Croydon College, graduating in 2008. He also honed his craft at the British Film Institute (BFI).

Collins’ filmography boasts over 60 African and Nollywood films, including notable productions like “Ibu in Sierra Leone,” “The British Expert,” “Devil in Freetown,” and “Flight 442”. His work has been showcased internationally, on airline entertainment platforms, and at film festivals.

Some of his notable works as producer/director includes:

Ibu in Sierra Leone (2013)
The British Expert (2019)
Devil in Freetown (2016)
I Can’t Get You Off My Mind (2014)
Flight 442 (2016)
Banjul My Love (2017)
Transform (2016)
Unpredictable Enemies (2026)

As an actor (selected):

Rubicon
Amina
Shameful Deceit
London Na Wa
Blood Type
This Is Not About You
Oxford Gardens
Gangs of Soho
Reach
Twisted lies
Cut
House share
The Soul
Battered
Otega and his Enemies
The King Makers
Complicated
Broken Cross
Enchained
Santana City

Beyond his film work, Collins is a devoted family man and serves as a Senior Manager at London Underground Ltd, showcasing his leadership skills. He’s also the founder and CEO of Archie-Pearce Production Ltd, a hub for cross-cultural storytelling and talent development

Some of the films he’s featured in include:
‘Rubicon’, ‘Amina’, ‘Shameful Deceit’, ‘Battered’, ‘Ibu in Sierra Leone’, ‘London na wa’, ‘The Soul’, ‘Otega and his Enemies’, ‘The King Makers’, ‘Complicated’, ‘Broken Cross’, ‘I can’t get you out of my mind’, ‘National Virus’, ‘The Devil in Freetown’, ‘Love counts’, ‘Enchained’, ‘Oxford Gardens’ The British Expert, Santana City, The Village Girl, Passport sake, Gilo and Sheena etc.

He has also featured on national television in the UK for the past nine years, playing the role of a business tycoon in a TV drama/series titled ‘Everyday life’ (which was showing on four Sky Television channels in the UK).

He has also built a great portfolio, thereby managing most of the top Nollywood actors including: Patience Ozorkwo, Desmond Elliott, Van Vicker, Mike Ezuroenye, Osita Iheme (Pawpaw), the late John Okafor (Mr Ibu), Kenneth Okonkwo, Ali Nuhu, Chinere Wilfred, Alex Ekubo, Okey Bakasi, Lanre Balagun, Anthony Monjero, Victoria Inyama, Atto Erick, Ifunaya Igwe, Adaeze Ngozi, Chinwe Owoh, Bob Manuel, Charles Awurum and many more. He also manages Sierra Leonean actors/artists including: Desmond Finney, Salamatu Kargbo, Joannes Maier, Winstina Taylor, Sarna Kanu, the late Martha Sesay, Christiana Kamara etc.

Awards and recognition have followed his dedication to his craft. He’s received accolades like Best Supporting Actor by BEFFTA Awards, Unsung Heroes Award 2013 by Calabash Magazine, and Recognition Award for contribution to the African Film Industry in the UK 2013 by ZAFAA.

Collins Archie-Pearce’s achievements and recognitions have earned him 88 accolades and these include:

1.⁠ ⁠Unsung Heroes Award 2013 by Calabash Magazine
2.⁠ ⁠Recognition Award for contribution to the African Film Industry in the UK 2013 by ZAFAA
3.⁠ ⁠Most impactful member 2011 by the Redeem Christian Church of God,Woolwich
4.⁠ ⁠Best Movie Premiere “Ibu in Sierra Leone” 2013 by Sierra Leone Excellence Awards;
5.⁠ ⁠Best Sierra Leone Film Producer 2014 by the Universal Achievement Awards; etc.
6.⁠ ⁠Outstanding Contribution to Cinema by United Artist
7.⁠ ⁠Best Supporting Actor 2014 by AWOL.
8.⁠ ⁠Best Film Producer (UK) 2015 by Malisha Da Queen Foundation
9.⁠ ⁠Outstanding Support in the Film Industry by Malisha Da Queen Foundation.
10.⁠ ⁠Best Community Supporter by Malisha Da Queen Foundation.
11.⁠ ⁠Best Supporting Actor 2015 by BEFFTA Award.
12.⁠ ⁠Crowned, Diaspora Movie Ambassador by Diaspora Focus organisation, Sierra Leone.
13.⁠ ⁠Performance and Excellence in Community work and Nation building, by the Disabled international Foundation SL/UK 2016.
14.⁠ ⁠Recognition award for my contribution to the African Film Industry 2016, by the Cameroon Films & Movie Academy
15.Best UK Nollywood Producer by Head To Head entertainments & award organisation.