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My Father's Shadow
Nigerian/British drama film From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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My Father's Shadow is a 2025 drama film directed by Akinola Davies Jr., in his feature length film debut, from a screenplay he co-wrote with his brother Wale Davies. Starring Sope Dirisu, it follows a family reunion during the 1993 Nigerian election.[3][4]
The film had its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 18 May,[5] where it won the Special Mention for the Caméra d'Or. It is the first ever Nigerian film to be selected for the festival's Official Selection.[6] It was theatrically released in Nigeria on 19 September by FilmOne Entertainment.
It was also selected as the UK's entry for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards.[7]
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Premise
Set against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, two young brothers spend a day in Lagos with their estranged father.[8]
Cast
- Sope Dirisu
- Godwin Chiemerie Egbo
- Chibuike Marvellous Egbo
Production
The film is produced by Element Pictures and directed by Akinola Davies Jr. from a script he co-wrote with Wale Davies. It is produced in association with Crybaby and Fatherland Productions. It was developed by BBC Film, who were a co-financer, and the BFI. Producers are Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures and Funmbi Ogunbanwo for Fatherland Productions.[9]
The Davies brothers developed the idea for the film over more than a decade, drawing inspiration from the loss of their father when they were both very young. In 2012, Wale wrote the first draft of the script, which centers on two brothers spending a day in Lagos with their father on the day of Nigeria's historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as a turning point in the nation’s contemporary history.[10]
Principal photography took place in Lagos, Nigeria.[11]
Release
The film had its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2025 and North American Premier September 8 at the Toronto International Film Festival. [12] Its wide release in Nigerian cinemas followed on September 19.
The streaming service Mubi acquired distribution rights for North America, the U.K., Ireland, and Turkey in February 2025.[4]
Reception
Early reviews following the film's premiere at Cannes from media such as Variety, Deadline Hollywood, The Guardian, IndieWire, and Screen Daily were widely favorable.[13][14][15][16][17]
Accolades
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See also
References
External links
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