For the first time in nearly 80 years, a Nigerian film has been selected for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection, marking a historic moment for African cinema. The film, My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-written with his brother, Wale Davies, will showcase at the festival under the Un Certain Regard category. This competition highlights debut and emerging filmmakers, and My Father’s Shadow will be the first Nigerian film to participate in this segment, celebrating the nation’s cinematic breakthrough at the global level.
Set in Lagos, the film takes place in the aftermath of Nigeria’s 1993 presidential election, following a father and his two sons, Remi and Akin, as they navigate the city’s turbulent landscape during a time of political unrest. The film stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, known for his roles in Slow Horses and Gangs of London, capturing the personal and familial struggles that mirror the broader socio-political challenges of the era. This semi-autobiographical project reflects Davies Jr.’s own experiences, weaving together personal history with a broader narrative of national crisis.
Produced by Element Pictures in collaboration with Fatherland Productions and Crybaby, My Father’s Shadow has garnered significant attention even before its Cannes debut. The film’s North American and international distribution rights were secured by MUBI, amplifying its reach and building anticipation for its screening. The film’s selection for Cannes adds a major milestone to its growing buzz, setting the stage for an even wider audience to experience this deeply personal and compelling story.
- ‘Wahala’: Genevieve Nnaji Returns in Gripping Nigerian-British Thriller
- ORAYA: Ruth Ojougboh to Unveil African Animated Film at Cannes 2026
- Cotton Queen: Suzannah Mirghani’s Award‑Winning Debut Opens in Egyptian Cinemas
- Erige Sehiri’s ‘Promised Sky’ Screens at New York African Film Festival
- Children of Blood and Bone Set for 2027 Release
Reacting to the announcement, Akinola Davies Jr. expressed his gratitude to all those involved in bringing this story to life, highlighting the dedication of the Nigerian film industry’s crews and technicians. He emphasized the significance of this achievement as a tribute to all who have contributed to the growth of Nigerian cinema over the years. For Davies Jr., the film’s selection serves as a celebration of the nation’s rich storytelling tradition and a step forward for arthouse cinema in Nigeria.
Funmbi Ogunbanwo, the co-producer and founder of Fatherland Productions, shared the emotional weight of the project, reflecting on how the film embodies the personal loss experienced by the Davies brothers. He spoke about the cultural authenticity embedded in the film, referencing the use of Yoruba and Pidgin, along with iconic street names from Lagos and Ibadan, to create a vivid representation of Nigerian life. Ogunbanwo expressed hope that the film would offer viewers a deeper understanding of Nigerian culture while highlighting the resilience of independent filmmakers.
While My Father’s Shadow will be the first Nigerian film to be part of the Un Certain Regard section, it is not the only African representation at this year’s Cannes. Alongside it, Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa’s Aisha Can’t Fly Away and Tunisian-French director Erige Sehiri’s Promised Sky will also compete. This diverse representation underscores the growing presence of African cinema at Cannes, though Nigeria, with its vast filmmaking industry, has historically had limited visibility at the festival’s main selections. Despite notable appearances in other festival sidebars, the Official Selection has remained elusive for Nigerian filmmakers until now. Read more