Akinola Davies’s “My Father’s Shadow” Pushes Nollywood Into the International Spotlight
Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies is making history with his latest film, My Father’s Shadow, a moving and masterfully crafted story that’s breaking international barriers.
The film, directed and co-written by Akinola and his brother Wale Davies, and produced by Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures alongside Funmi Ogubanwo for Fatherland Productions, stands as a testament to the creative depth and bold storytelling emerging from Nigeria’s new wave of filmmakers.
My Father’s Shadow had its world premiere in the “Un Certain Regard” section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, where it received a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or a remarkable achievement that signals Nollywood’s growing presence on the global stage. Making history as the first-ever Nigerian film selected for Cannes’ official competition, My Father’s Shadow continues to make tremendous strides internationally.
Adding to its list of accolades, the film also won Best Debut Feature at the 2025 British Independent Film Awards and the Jury Prize at Kenya’s NBO Film Festival, alongside recent nominations for Akinola Davies and Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù in the Breakthrough Director and Outstanding Lead Performance categories further cementing its status as a true unicorn within the Nollywood industry.
Set in 1993,a turning-point year marked by Nigeria’s political turbulence and the annulled presidential elections the story follows two young boys who spend a day with their estranged father as he tries to collect his unpaid wages in Lagos, “the city that never sleeps.” Through their eyes, viewers experience a touching blend of innocence and unrest as Davies captures the chaotic energy and tense atmosphere of the nation.
The film stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, the renowned Nigerian-British actor known for his roles in Gangs of Lagos and The Huntsman: Winter’s War, in the lead role alongside debut actors and real-life brothers Godwin Chiemerie Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, who play his sons.
Although the film will be representing the UK as its official selection for Best International Feature at the Oscars, it remains a win for Nollywood carrying its fingerprints all through.
When it wins, remember Goldmyne called it because a win for one is a win for all.
My Father’s Shadow was released on September 19, distributed by FilmOne Entertainment. It has since left cinemas but will be on streaming services soon.
