In a groundbreaking achievement for Nigerian cinema, “My Father’s Shadow” is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. It will mark the first time a film from Nigeria has been included in the festival’s Official Selection in nearly 80 years.
Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-written with his brother Wale, the film stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, recognised for his roles in “Slow Horses” and “Gangs of London.” The story unfolds in Lagos following the contentious 1993 presidential elections, chronicling the journey of Dìrísù’s father and two sons, Remi and Akin, as they navigate the city amidst the political turmoil.
Davies Jr.’s semi-autobiographical feature has attracted significant attention, especially with its distribution rights in North America secured by MUBI before the Cannes announcement. Competing in the Un Certain Regard section—highlighting first-time and emerging filmmakers—this film represents a significant milestone for Nigeria.
Davies Jr. shared his excitement: “This achievement honours everyone dedicated to authentic Nigerian storytelling, from the crew to countless technicians in our film industry. I’m thrilled to be an ambassador for arthouse film in Nigeria; our cast and crew truly deserve this spotlight.”
Produced by Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures and Funmbi Ogunbanwo for Fatherland Productions, the film encapsulates Nigerian culture, incorporating Yoruba and Pidgin languages alongside recognisable streets in Lagos and Ibadan. Ogunbanwo expressed pride in bringing a personal Nigerian story to a global audience, emphasising the responsibility of representing independent filmmakers in the face of adversity.
The 2025 Cannes Film Festival is set to showcase 2,909 feature films, with “My Father’s Shadow” standing alongside other notable African entries. As Nigeria makes a formidable entrance at Cannes, it aims to reshape perceptions and assert its influence in the global film industry, showcasing the richness of its storytelling tradition.
