A cinematic milestone marks Nigeria's first selection for Cannes
In short: In a historic shift for African cinema, My Father's Shadow became the first Nigerian film selected for the Official Selection of the Cannes Film Festival. This 2025 drama weaves an intimate family portrait against the volatile backdrop of one of Nigeria's most pivotal political moments.
Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. in his feature-length debut, My Father's Shadow is a UK-Nigeria co-production that centers on a father named Folarin and his two young sons. Set against Nigeria's 1993 presidential election, the plot takes place during an era often seen as a pivotal moment for the country's modern era. The plot tracks a family moving from rural areas into Lagos; there, Folarin endures private struggles like missing six months of wages and experiencing strange nosebleeds amidst a city dominated by soldiers.
The film serves as both a political commentary and a personal exploration of legacy. It draws on the Davies brothers' own experiences with the loss of their father when they were very young. This personal history informs the character of Folarin, who shares stories of his own brother’s death by drowning and his subsequent visions of his brother's spirit. The narrative culminates in a scene of civil unrest when the military announces the annulment of the 1993 election, forcing the family into a desperate flight from chaos and military checkpoints.
Beyond its emotional weight, the film achieved significant international prestige. It premiered at the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, and won a Special Mention for the Caméra d'Or. With a budget of approximately £2.5 million ($3.4 million), it received universal acclaim from critics, earning a 98% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. It also secured various accolades, including nominations for British Independent Film Awards and a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut.
The production utilized 16 mm film to capture the atmosphere of Lagos, with principal photography conducted on location. Major distribution agreements, including Mubi securing rights across the U.K. and North America, plus its status as the UK's 98th Academy Awards submission for Best International Feature Film, have aided its popularity.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: My Father's Shadow
- Also: Wikidata — My Father's Shadow · CC0
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