The Nigerian film industry reached a new crescendo on the night of September 18 as My Father’s Shadow held its star-studded Lagos premiere at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX, ahead of its nationwide release on September 19, 2025.
The event was a major moment for cinema in the country, celebrating the film’s triumphant return home after securing a historic Caméra d’Or Special Mention for best debut feature at the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection (Un Certain Regard) earlier this year—the first Nigerian film to ever do so.
Set on the pivotal date of June 23, 1993, the day the June 12 election annulment dashed Nigeria’s democratic hopes, ‘My Father’s Shadow’ is an emotionally resonant drama. It follows two brothers journeying across Lagos with their estranged father amidst political turmoil.
The feature film, which began as a short film script by producer Wale Davies and was expanded with his brother, acclaimed filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., offers a universal exploration of fatherhood, identity, and national memory.
“I hope that audiences will relate to the same things I love in the film – the family, politics, the spirituality, and the psychology,” said director Akinola Davies Jr. at the premiere. “We’ve tried to make something that is accessible, so that when people watch it, they see a reflection of themselves and experiences that they are familiar with.”
Producer and CEO of Fatherland, Funmbi Ogunbanwo, emphasised the film’s vivid portrayal of its setting: “Audiences will enjoy the rich tapestry of Nigeria, our people and our language. They will feel the rhythm and the sound of Lagos – the size of Lagos. The journey of these boys… ultimately culminates in this rich experience of family.”
FilmOne Entertainment, which is distributing the film, underscored its significance. Ladun Awobokun (Chief Content Officer) stated: “Our priority is to identify and champion content that is both artistically powerful and culturally relevant… Bringing it to cinemas across West Africa ensures that audiences at home connect with the same story that has captivated the world.”
The film’s success is also a boost for the local creative economy. Shot entirely in Nigeria, the production featured a cast and crew that was over 80% Nigerian. The premiere highlighted remarkable performances from lead Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù (Slow Horses, Gangs of London) and introduced debut actors Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo, who were discovered through a Lagos street casting campaign.
Following the excitement of the Lagos event, My Father’s Shadow began its global theatrical run with its nationwide release in Nigeria on September 19, 2025.
•Featured image by Lakin Ogunbanwo
