Last Thursday in Lagos, Nigeria’s cinematic pride My Father’s Shadow returned home for its Nigerian premiere after making history as the first Nigerian film to make the Cannes’ Official Selection (Un Certain Regard).
The event, hosted at Filmhouse Cinemas, IMAX Lekki, drew an audience of filmmakers, actors, cultural leaders, industry executives, exhibitors, and media dressed true to the theme of Lagos in the ’90s as they celebrated the film’s homecoming after making history at Cannes 2025. My Father’s Shadow was the first Nigerian film to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection (Un Certain Regard) earlier this year, and it also received the Caméra d’Or Special Mention for best debut feature.
Set on June 23, 1993, the day Nigeria’s democratic hopes were dashed with the annulment of the June 12 election, the film follows two brothers as they travel around Lagos with their estranged father.
The film was produced by Wale Davies and Funmbi Ogunbanwo, and directed by Akinola Davies Jr.
Following the premiere, the film was released nationwide on September 19, marking the beginning of its global theatrical journey.
My Father’s Shadow: Nigeria’s Cinematic Pride
This year, Nigeria stood tall in the spotlight at Cannes, making a groundbreaking first in the Cannes Film Festival’s nearly 80-year history. My Father’s Shadow, which screened in the Un Certain Regard section, stands as Nigeria’s solid impression on one of the most esteemed film landmarks in the world. This was a monumental feat as no Nollywood movie had ever featured in any of Cannes’ categories.
Osamede, a Nigerian historical fantasy, also made a big global debut at the Pavillon Afriques at the 2025 Cannes Film Market.
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 garnered support from distributor MUBI, which acquired the rights to the movie in North America and other countries.
My Father’s Shadow is an insightful trip down memory lane into Nigeria, where viewers (if you’re yet to see it) 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.
