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Nigerian audiences are gearing up for a cinematic landmark as My Father’s Shadow, the critically acclaimed debut feature by director Akinola Davies Jr., is set to premiere in cinemas across the country on September 19. The film has already made waves internationally, solidifying Nigeria’s growing reputation in world cinema.
Earlier this year, My Father’s Shadow made history as the first Nigerian feature selected for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival Official Selection (Un Certain Regard). The film further impressed critics by earning a Caméra d’Or Special Mention, placing it alongside some of the most promising debut works on the global stage.
Film critics have lauded the production for its originality, depth, and emotional resonance. The Guardian praised it as a “subtle and intelligent coming-of-age tale,” while IndieWire described it as “a beautifully remembered drama about a fateful day trip into Lagos.” The acclaim has fueled excitement among both international and local audiences eager to witness Nigerian storytelling at its finest.
Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s tense 1993 election crisis, the semi-autobiographical story follows two brothers who embark on a day-long journey through Lagos to reconnect with their estranged father. Shot entirely on 16mm film, the movie captures the city in its raw beauty and chaos, making Lagos not just a setting but a central character in the narrative.
Director Akinola Davies Jr. reflected on the deeply personal nature of the project, stating, “I cried when I first read the script my brother Wale wrote. Our stories don’t need to be sensationalised; they’re powerful enough as they are. Point a camera at anything in Lagos, and it becomes cinematic.” The screenplay, co-written with his Grammy-winning brother Wale Davies, resonates with authenticity and nostalgia, bridging personal memory with national history.
The film features British-Nigerian actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, known for Slow Horses and Gangs of London, in a leading role. She is joined by newcomers Godwin and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, whose debut performances have been described as “stirring” and “authentic.” The ensemble cast is rounded out with both Nollywood veterans and rising stars, including Ayo Lijadu, Greg “Teddy Bear” Ojefua, Uzoamaka Power, Winifred Efon, and Olarotimi Fakunle.
Behind the camera, the project was largely a Nigerian endeavor, with over 80 percent of the crew drawn from local talent under Fatherland Productions. International collaboration came from Element Pictures, BBC Film, BFI, and global streaming platform MUBI. Producers Rachel Dargavel (Element Pictures) and Funmbi Ogunbanwo (Fatherland Productions) led the effort, with executive producers including Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Eva Yates, Ama Ampadu, and the Davies brothers themselves. Production design was spearheaded by Anti Design, supported by strategic partnerships with The Match Factory, Fremantle, Electric Theatre Collective, and Crybaby.
For many, the upcoming September 19 release represents more than just a film premiere—it is a “homecoming” for a story deeply rooted in Nigeria’s cultural and political history. Industry experts believe the film’s international success at Cannes will not only elevate Akinola Davies Jr.’s career but also solidify Nigeria’s place in global cinema.
As anticipation builds, audiences nationwide are expected to flock to cinemas, eager to experience a film that blends historical reflection, personal storytelling, and cinematic artistry. My Father’s Shadow is poised to be a defining moment for Nigerian film, showcasing the country’s storytelling prowess and its capacity to captivate audiences worldwide.
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