Nigeria’s Award-Winning “My Father’s Shadow” Makes Triumphant Homecoming
In a star-studded evening that marked a new chapter in Nigerian cinema, “My Father’s Shadow” premiered at Lagos’ Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX, bringing home the accolades it garnered as the first Nigerian film to compete at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. The premiere drew Nigeria’s entertainment elite, setting the stage for its nationwide release on September 19, 2025, through FilmOne Distributions.
Set against the politically charged backdrop of June 23, 1993 – the day Nigeria’s democratic hopes were crushed with the annulment of the June 12 election – the film weaves an intimate tale of two brothers navigating Lagos with their estranged father. What began as a short film script by producer Wale Davies evolved into a powerful feature-length collaboration with his brother, acclaimed filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., exploring themes of family bonds, identity, and national memory.
Director Akinola Davies Jr. shared his vision at the premiere, emphasizing the film’s unique blend of family dynamics, politics, spirituality, and psychology within a mid-nineties Nigerian setting. Funmbi Ogunbanwo, producer and Fatherland CEO, highlighted how the film captures Lagos’ essence, promising audiences an authentic experience of Nigeria’s cultural tapestry.
The film showcases breakthrough performances, including British-Nigerian actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as Folarin, alongside newcomers Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo, discovered through local street casting. Shot entirely in Nigeria with an overwhelmingly Nigerian crew, the production has already made waves internationally, earning a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or at Cannes.
Industry leaders expressed enthusiasm for the film’s potential impact. FilmOne’s Chief Content Officer, Ladun Awobokun, praised its artistic power and cultural relevance, while Filmhouse Group CEO Kene Okwuosa emphasized the importance of sharing this landmark achievement across West Africa.
As “My Father’s Shadow” prepares for its nationwide release, supported by The Glenlivet Single Malt Whisky and Guinness Foreign Extra Stout, it stands as a testament to Nigeria’s evolving cinematic landscape. The film not only represents a significant achievement in storytelling but also signals a promising future for Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
The premiere’s success, coupled with the film’s international recognition, positions “My Father’s Shadow” as a potential catalyst for increased investment in Nigeria’s film industry while showcasing the country’s rich storytelling tradition to audiences worldwide.
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