From Cannes to Lagos: My Father’s Shadow opens in Nigerian cinemas after making history on the global stage. Directed by Nigerian-British filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., the film first grabbed attention at the Cannes Film Festival where it became the first Nigerian feature ever selected in the Un Certain Regard section. It went further to win the Caméra d’Or Special Mention for Best First Feature, a milestone that immediately placed it in the global spotlight.
In a statement on Thursday, Davies Jr. explained the emotional connection he had with the script, saying, “With no context, the script was sent to me, and I actually cried when I read it… It’s a testament to the talent and the thriving Nigerian film industry. Point a camera at anything in Lagos, and it’s so cinematic.”
From Cannes to Lagos
The film is set in Lagos in the tense aftermath of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election. Told over a single day, the story follows two brothers, Akin and Remi, guided by their estranged father Folarin, portrayed by British-Nigerian actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù. With its themes of memory, identity, fatherhood, and nationhood, the film connects Nigeria’s political history with personal struggles, creating a story both deeply personal and socially relevant.
Davies Jr. noted that “Eighty per cent of our cast and crew are from Nigeria. We’re creating something together. Africans should be proud of their aesthetics.” This reflects the director’s focus on building Nollywood’s arthouse tradition while using cinema to capture African identity in its raw form.
Collaboration and Industry Impact
The film is backed by Fatherland Productions in Lagos, Element Pictures, MUBI, and Crybaby, with further support from BBC Film, the BFI, Fremantle, and Electric Theatre Collective. Over 80% of the crew were Nigerian, with production across Lagos and Ibadan. This not only strengthened local filmmaking infrastructure but also created jobs, proving once again that film is not just entertainment but also an economic driver.
The project also introduced fresh talents Godwin and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, two actors many in the industry now see as the future faces of Nollywood.
Industry Leaders React
Industry stakeholders say this film is more than just a release, it is a turning point. Group CEO of Filmhouse Group, Kene Okwuosa, said, “At Filmhouse, we are committed to backing stories that push boundaries and showcase the depth of Nigerian talent to audiences at home and abroad.”
Chief Content Officer at FilmOne Entertainment, Ladun Awobokun, added, “My Father’s Shadow isn’t just a film—it represents the next chapter of cinematic possibility in Nigeria.”
A New Chapter for Nigerian Cinema
My Father’s Shadow opens in Nigerian cinemas on September 19, a date many in the industry are already marking as a cultural moment. Shot on 16mm film, it blends poetic imagery with emotional realism while reaffirming Nigeria’s ability to compete globally in storytelling.
As it moves from the glitz of Cannes to the heart of Lagos, the film stands as both an artistic achievement and a signal that Nollywood’s voice is only getting louder on the world stage. For Davies Jr., this release cements his reputation as a bold new filmmaker, while for Nigeria, it is a declaration that authentic African stories will no longer stay on the margins but will take center stage worldwide.
