Film festivals are no doubt an essential component of the global cinema business. Every year, these festivals attract several attendees, including fans, filmmakers, and stakeholders in the film business. In the world of film festivals, the Cannes Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious, drawing leading directors, celebrities, and media worldwide.
The last few years have witnessed African films and filmmakers proudly occupy the spotlight at the Cannes Film Festival. These ground-breaking productions showcase the incredible talent and beauty of African cinema at the esteemed festival and gain worldwide premieres. In 2023, Sudan made history with the selection of Goodbye Julia in the Un Certain Regard section, marking the country’s first-ever selection at the renowned Cannes Film Festival. 2024, on the other hand, witnessed the selection of seven films from African filmmakers.
This year, Nigeria is in the spotlight, making a groundbreaking first in the Cannes Film Festival’s nearly 80-year history. My Father’s Shadow, which will screen in the Un Certain Regard section, stands as Nigeria’s solid impression on one of the most esteemed film landmarks in the world. This is a monumental feat as no Nigerian movie has ever been featured in any of Cannes’ categories.
Osamede, a Nigerian historical fantasy, will also make a big global debut at the Pavillon Afriques at the 2025 Cannes Film Market. This feat is a reflection of the wide potential of Nigerian cinema and why the world needs to see this.
Walk with us as we shed more light on these remarkable feats at the Cannes Film Festival and what it means for the Nigerian film industry.
What You Should Know About Akinola Davies Jr’s ‘My Father’s Shadow‘
Directed by Akinola Davies Jr, My Father’s Shadow is co-written with his brother, Wale Davies, and it stars British-Nigerian actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, who also featured in prominent movies such as Slow Horses and Gangs of London. The film is set in Lagos following the 1993 presidential election and centres on Dìrísù’s father and his two kids, Remi and Akin, as they seek to travel throughout the city during the violent aftermath of the election.
This semi-autobiographical debut film was produced by Element Pictures in collaboration with Fatherland Productions and Crybaby. It already has a lot of support from distributor MUBI, which acquired the rights to the movie in North America and other countries. Because it was announced long before the Cannes premiere, more people are excited for its release.
My Father’s Shadow will be an insightful trip down memory lane into Nigeria, where viewers should expect vibrant displays of Yoruba, Pidgin, and familiar cultures in Lagos and Ibadan. This movie also stands as a needed representation of independent Nigerian filmmakers and the amazing works they churn out, despite the odds. There are high hopes that this movie will further reshape how Nigerians are perceived and help people understand more about Nigeria’s history and, more importantly, the potential of Nigerian cinema.
Osamede Taking Nigerian Historical Fantasy Global at Cannes Film Market Premiere
Osamede is another proof that Nigeria will be showing up and showing out at Cannes this year. This Nigerian historical fantasy will make a big worldwide debut for Nigerian cinema on May 17 at the Pavillon Afriques at the 2025 Cannes Film Market. The film, which was executive produced by Lilian Olubi and directed by James Omokwe, the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) winner, centres on an orphaned child who gains superhuman abilities in the colonial Benin Kingdom in 1897. Using the ancient Aruosa stone’s power, she set out to free her people from British colonial rule.
With the film featuring actors such as Ivie Okujaye Egboh, Lexan Aisosa Peters, William Benson, Tosin Adeyemi, Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and Alexander Bud, Osamede’s timing couldn’t be more significant in light of Nigeria’s recent feat at Cannes with My Father’s Shadow. There’s no doubt that these two movies will speak to global film enthusiasts who seek out original stories about history and culture. Osamede also makes a needed commentary on the untapped commercial potential of historical fantasy while further showing the crop of film talents and unique ideas in Nigerian cinema.
Nigeria at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival
In addition to the release of Osamede and the selection of My Father’s Shadow, Nigeria is expected to make a significant impact at Cannes this year with its own national pavilion at the festival’s international village. This is where the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy will present the Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere campaign through Screen Nigeria.
This campaign is part of the country’s broad plan to create 2 million jobs in creative and tourist industries, and contribute $100 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030. It aims to showcase the country’s talent, encourage international cooperation, and attract foreign investment.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival starts on the 13th of May and ends on the 24th. While the premiere date for My Father’s Shadow and its theatrical release date are yet to be announced, Osamade is set to screen on May 17.
