In a landmark achievement for Nigerian cinema, My Father’s Shadow, the debut feature by British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., has been officially selected for the 78th Cannes Film Festival’s Un Certain Regard section. This marks the first time a Nigerian fiction film has been included in the festival’s official selection.
Set in Lagos during the aftermath of Nigeria’s 1993 presidential election, the film follows a father and his two sons as they navigate the city’s turbulent landscape during a time of political unrest. Starring Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, the drama delves into themes of family, identity, and the complexities of father-son relationships.
Co-written with his brother, Wale Davies, and produced by Element Pictures, Fatherland Productions, BBC Film, and the BFI, My Father’s Shadow showcases Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and storytelling prowess. The film’s inclusion in Cannes is a significant milestone, reflecting the growing global recognition of Nigerian cinema.
