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A defining moment for Nigerian cinema is set to take place on September 19, when My Father’s Shadow, the debut feature from filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., opens in cinemas across the country. Distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, the release is being hailed as more than a film premiere—it is a milestone that reflects the growing global recognition of Nigerian stories told with authenticity and artistry.
The film already carries an impressive pedigree. Earlier this year, My Father’s Shadow broke new ground as the first Nigerian feature to be officially selected for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival under the Un Certain Regard category. Its screening in Cannes was met with acclaim, earning the rare Caméra d’Or Special Mention, a recognition that firmly placed it on the international stage.
Critics abroad have been unanimous in their praise. The Guardian described the film as “a subtle and intelligent coming-of-age tale,” while IndieWire called it “a beautifully remembered drama about a fateful day trip into Lagos.” At its core, the film is both intimate and expansive, weaving a narrative of memory, family bonds, and the restless, unpredictable spirit of Lagos itself.
Set in 1993, a year seared into Nigeria’s political consciousness due to the annulled June 12 elections, the story unfolds over a single day. It follows two young brothers as they reconnect with their estranged father. What begins as a seemingly ordinary outing quickly transforms into an unforgettable odyssey through Lagos, a city brimming with tension, political uncertainty, and the raw emotions of fractured relationships.
Davies Jr., known for his socially conscious and deeply personal body of work, collaborated with his brother, Grammy-winning writer and musician Wale Davies, who wrote the screenplay. Their creative partnership infuses the story with both authenticity and emotional weight. “I actually cried when I read my brother’s script,” Davies Jr. revealed. “This film is a testament to the talent in our industry. Point a camera at anything in Lagos, and it becomes cinematic. Our stories don’t need to be sensationalised, they are powerful enough as they are.”
One of the film’s distinctive elements is its decision to shoot entirely on 16mm celluloid. This artistic choice bathes the city in a textured, nostalgic glow, lending Lagos a timeless quality while capturing its chaotic energy. In My Father’s Shadow, Lagos is more than just a setting—it is a living, breathing character, shaping the destinies of those who move through its streets.
The cast is led by Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, acclaimed for his roles in Gangs of London and Slow Horses. His portrayal of the father carries depth and emotional gravitas. Alongside him, child actors Godwin and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo deliver striking performances as the two brothers, embodying innocence, vulnerability, and resilience. They are joined by an ensemble of Nollywood veterans and emerging stars, including Ayo Lijadu, Greg “Teddy Bear” Ojefua, Uzoamaka Power, Winifred Efon, and Olarotimi Fakunle.
Behind the scenes, over 80 percent of the crew was Nigerian, reflecting the production’s commitment to nurturing local talent while collaborating with international partners. Produced by Lagos-based Fatherland Productions in association with global powerhouses such as Element Pictures, BBC Film, the British Film Institute (BFI), and MUBI, the film also features meticulous production design by Anti Design, which brings to life both the period and its emotional resonance.
My Father’s Shadow continues the Davies brothers’ collaboration with BBC Film, who also backed their BAFTA-nominated short Lizard. The feature is produced by Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures and Funmbi Ogunbanwo for Fatherland Productions. Executive producers include Ed Guiney and Andrew Lowe for Element Pictures, Eva Yates for BBC Film, and Ama Ampadu for the BFI, with contributions from Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Wale Davies, and Akinola Davies Jr.
Presented by BBC Film and the BFI in association with The Match Factory, Fremantle, Electric Theatre Collective, and MUBI, the Nigerian release of My Father’s Shadow is expected to be a landmark cultural event. It signals not only the arrival of an important film but also a reminder of the global possibilities that open up when Nigerian filmmakers tell their stories with sincerity and vision.
As September 19 approaches, audiences across Nigeria will be invited to experience a work that demonstrates the power of cinema to honor memory, reflect society, and connect cultures. My Father’s Shadow is more than a film, it is a statement that Nigerian cinema can stand confidently on the world stage.
