The 2025 Cannes Film Festival will be remembered not only for its cinematic excellence but for a historic breakthrough in African cinema. My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr., marked a watershed moment as the first Nigerian film selected in Cannes’ official lineup—a feat that shines a spotlight on Nollywood’s global rise. ✨📽️
My Father’s Shadow: A Landmark for Nigerian Cinema
Presented in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section, My Father’s Shadow is more than just a debut feature—it’s a deeply personal, semi-autobiographical story rooted in memory, grief, and longing. 😢💭
The film follows two young boys as they trail their elusive father across Lagos on a pivotal day in 1993, as Nigeria teeters on the brink of political change.
Davies, a British-Nigerian filmmaker and video artist, worked alongside his brother Wale Davies, who wrote the screenplay. Inspired by the death of their father when they were toddlers, the story captures the emotional weight of absence and the quest for connection. 💔👨👦👦
“I cried when I first read the script,” Davies shared. “It was the first time I imagined spending a day with my father.” 😢🎞️
🎥 My Father’s Shadow: A Personal Story with Universal Resonance 🌐
Filmed in the heart of Lagos, the movie captures the sights, sounds, and soul of Nigeria’s most vibrant city. 🛵🎶🏙️
Actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù (Gangs of London) delivers a gripping performance as the father, while real-life brothers Godwin and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo—both newcomers—shine as the sons. 🌟🎭
Nollywood’s Global Evolution: Nigerian film at Cannes 2025
Nollywood is Africa’s cinematic powerhouse, producing over 2,500 films a year. Yet global recognition has often been out of reach—until now.
“This film shows that our stories can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best,” says Davies. 🌟🌐
At Cannes, Nigeria launched Screen Nigeria, an ambitious initiative to boost Nollywood’s international visibility, attract foreign investment 💼💸, and create 2 million creative industry jobs by 2030. 📊🎨
🤝 A Testament to Talent and Vision
My Father’s Shadow is not only a deeply cathartic journey for the Davies brothers—it’s also a film crafted with love, collaboration, and trust.
“On set, I fostered an atmosphere of trust, playfulness, and creative freedom,” says Davies. “The result was a team that felt seen, supported, and empowered.” 🤗🎥
This shared spirit breathes authenticity into every frame, turning grief into art and memory into something beautifully universal.
🔮 What’s Next for the Davies Brothers? 🚧🌱
After their BAFTA-nominated short Lizard, My Father’s Shadow cements Akinola Davies Jr. as a rising voice in global cinema. 🏆
The brothers’ next project? A deep dive into the ecological and sociopolitical complexities of the Niger Delta—another powerful, human-centered Nigerian story waiting to be told.
As Nollywood continues to grow, My Father’s Shadow stands tall: a bridge between local heritage and global relevance, between loss and legacy. 🕊️📽️✨
