Akinola Davies Jr.’s acclaimed debut feature, My Father’s Shadow, is set to debut on Netflix on 21 September 2026, bringing the Nigerian filmmaker’s internationally recognised story to audiences across Africa.
The film will be available on Netflix Africa in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa, marking another significant milestone for a production that has attracted international attention since its festival debut.
Shot entirely in Lagos, My Father’s Shadow is set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s June 12, 1993 election crisis. The story explores family, memory and political upheaval through the experiences of two young brothers as they navigate a changing Lagos alongside their father.
The film stars Godwin Chiemerie Egbo, Chibuike Egbo and British-Nigerian actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, with Davies drawing inspiration from his own childhood and memories of Nigeria.
Since its international festival run, My Father’s Shadow has earned recognition from major industry bodies, including the British Independent Film Awards and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). The film has also received multiple honours at the Africa Movie Viewers Choice Awards, including Best Director and Best Movie.
Its Netflix release comes shortly after Davies was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as part of its 2026 class, further highlighting the growing international profile of African filmmakers and African-led stories.
With its combination of personal storytelling, Nigerian history and international acclaim, My Father’s Shadow is poised to reach an even wider audience when it arrives on Netflix Africa on 21 September.
