Akinola Davies Jr’s My Father’s Shadow Hits Nigerian Cinemas After Cannes Win

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For decades, Nigeria has battled for recognition on the global film stage, with Nollywood making waves for its volume but rarely breaking through at the highest levels of world cinemas. That narrative began to shift this year when My Father’s Shadow, the debut feature-length project from British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr, became the first Nigerian film ever selected for the Cannes Film Festival.

Now, after its historic international run, the critically acclaimed film is finally coming home. My Father’s Shadow will make its cinema debut across Nigeria on September 19, 2025, distributed by FilmOne Entertainment.

 

A Historic Journey

The film’s journey began in February 2025, when global streaming platform MUBI acquired its distribution rights for North America, the UK, Ireland, and Turkey. From there, the project travelled to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in May, screening in the Un Certain Regard section, a category dedicated to innovative and daring filmmaking.

What happened next was historic: My Father’s Shadow clinched the Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or, a recognition for outstanding first features. The win etched Akinola Davies Jr. in history as the first Nigerian filmmaker to earn such an honour.

 

A Collaboration Between Brothers

Akinola and his brother Wale Davies co-wrote the script; the duo are behind the Sundance-winning short Lizard (2021), which also earned a BAFTA nomination. Together, the brothers have consistently brought authentic Nigerian stories to the global stage, balancing local detail with universal themes.

Shot across Lagos, My Father’s Shadow captures the heartbeat of the city in its language and texture, weaving together Yoruba, Pidgin, and everyday street expressions.

 

The Story at Its Core

Set against the politically turbulent backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, the film follows two young brothers, Remi and Akin, as they spend a pivotal day in Lagos with their estranged father, Folarin.

The narrative explores family, reconciliation, and identity against a backdrop of political uncertainty, making it both an intimate family story and a reflection of Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

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The cast features British-Nigerian actor Sope Dirisu as Folarin, with real-life brothers Godwin Chiemerie Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo as Remi and Akin. Supporting performances come from Uzoamaka Aniunoh and Winifred Efon.

 

Backed by International Powerhouses

Produced by Rachel Dargavel and Funmbi Ogunbanwo, the film is a collaboration between Element Pictures, Crybaby, and Fatherland Productions, with crucial funding support from BBC Film and the British Film Institute (BFI).

The global reach of these institutions, paired with the Nigerian grounding of Davies’ vision, creates a rare hybrid: a film that is both intensely local and internationally resonant.

 

Why It Matters

For Nigerian cinema, My Father’s Shadow is more than just a film; it is a statement. It represents a shift from Nollywood’s fast-paced commercial productions toward cinema that engages with history, politics, and the nuances of everyday life while competing on the same level as European art films.

As it comes to Nigerian screens, audiences now have the chance to experience firsthand the film that broke boundaries at Cannes.

Just as Akinola Davies Jr once said about his filmmaking: “We must tell our stories our way, even if the world is only just beginning to listen.”

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who directed My Father’s Shadow?

British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr directed it in his debut feature-length project.

2. What makes the film historic?

It is the first Nigerian film ever selected for the Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or.

3. When will the film be released in Nigerian cinemas?

The film will premiere locally on September 19, 2025, with distribution handled by FilmOne Entertainment.

4. What is the story about?

Set in 1993 Lagos during the Nigerian presidential election, it follows two brothers who reconnect with their estranged father over the course of a single day.

5. Who stars in the film?

The cast includes Sope Dirisu as the father and brothers Godwin Chiemerie Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo as the sons, alongside Uzoamaka Aniunoh and Winifred Efon.

6. What companies produced the film?

It is a collaboration between Element Pictures, Crybaby, and Fatherland Productions, with support from BBC Film and the British Film Institute.