Nigerian-British filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr’s debut film, My Father’s Shadow, has earned a Caméra d’Or Special Mention at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, marking a historic moment for Nigerian cinema. While it did not clinch the top prize in the Un Certain Regard section, the film’s recognition places it among the best first features across all festival sections.
Set in Lagos during the turbulent 1993 presidential election, the semi-autobiographical drama follows two young brothers reconciling with their estranged father amid national upheaval. Featuring standout performances from Godwin Chimerie Egbo, Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, the film has been widely praised for its poetic visuals and emotional depth.
Critics lauded the film’s nuanced storytelling, with The Hollywood Reporter calling it a “stunning debut,” while The Guardian and IndieWire hailed its subtlety and expressive cinematography. Written by Akinola and Wale Davies as a tribute to their late father, the film delivers a textured soundscape that deepens its emotional resonance.
Produced by Element Pictures, Crybaby, and Fatherland Productions, and shot in Lagos and Ibadan, My Father’s Shadow was acquired by MUBI for distribution in North America, the UK, Ireland, and Turkey, signaling its global appeal. As the first Nigerian narrative feature to screen at Cannes, its success underscores a growing shift in Nigerian filmmaking, moving beyond Nollywood traditions to explore more artistic and impressionistic storytelling.
The recognition also revives concerns about the domestic reception of such films, referencing how C.J. Obasi’s Mami Wata struggled in Nigerian cinemas despite global acclaim. There is hope that My Father’s Shadow will not meet the same fate, as its impact could redefine how Nigerian stories are viewed both locally and internationally.
Source: Swifteradio.com
