Akinola Davies Jr. has made waves in the film industry with his debut feature, “My Father’s Shadow,” which premiered at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section. Initially hesitant to transition from short films to full-length features, Davies was inspired after creating his acclaimed 18-minute short, “Lizard,” which won the 2021 Sundance Film Festival Short Film Grand Jury Prize.
Davies co-wrote “My Father’s Shadow” with his brother, Wale, who created the original story. Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s tumultuous June 12, 1993 presidential election, the film stars Sopé Dìrísù as a father taking his two young sons through the bustling streets of Lagos during a period of political unrest. The narrative intertwines personal and broader societal themes, reflecting the complexities of fatherhood and nationhood.
The brothers developed the script collaboratively, navigating their shared experiences of growing up in a matriarchal household after the death of their father, who had epilepsy. Akinola, who was just 20 months old when his father passed, shares a unique bond with Wale, both shaped by their fragmented memories of their father. “It took a while for us to process many of our intentions,” reflects Akinola. Their writing process involved extensive research on the political climate of 1993 Nigeria, alongside exploring their memories.
Wale, who was 11 during the election, recalls the excitement surrounding candidate Chief MKO Abiola. The film frames this moment as political history and a catalyst for understanding their relationship with their father and Nigerian identity. “My Father’s Shadow” thus serves as a poignant exploration of familial bonds and the legacy of their upbringing, contributing to a growing movement to tell authentic African stories in cinema. The film is produced by BBC Film, the BFI, and several other collaborators, marking an important addition to contemporary cinema.
