In a landmark moment for African cinema, Nigeria’s My Father’s Shadow has secured a historic place in the Official Selection of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival—marking the first time a Nigerian film has been chosen for the prestigious lineup in the festival’s nearly 80-year history. Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-written with his brother Wale Davies, the semi-autobiographical drama is set to premiere in the Un Certain Regard category, a competitive section dedicated to emerging filmmakers.
The announcement has sent waves of excitement through Nigeria’s film industry, with the Lagos State Government hailing the achievement as a testament to the country’s creative potential. In a press release, the Public Affairs unit of Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board (LSFVCB) celebrated the film’s selection, emphasising its significance in showcasing Nigerian talent on a global stage.
Set against the turbulent backdrop of Lagos in the aftermath of the 1993 presidential election, My Father’s Shadow follows a grieving father and his two sons, Remi and Akin (played by Gangs of London star Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù), as they navigate the city’s chaos in search of closure. Blending Yoruba, Pidgin, and vivid Lagosian imagery, the film is deeply personal—rooted in the Davies brothers’ own experience of losing their father at a young age.
“This is a testament to everyone dedicated to telling authentic Nigerian stories,” Davies Jr. told CNN. “It honours all those—past, present, and future—who laid the foundation for Nigerian cinema.”
Produced by Element Pictures in collaboration with Fatherland Productions (led by Funmbi Ogunbanwo) and Crybaby, the film has already garnered significant industry buzz. Global distributor MUBI secured rights for North America and other territories ahead of its Cannes debut, signaling strong international interest.
The Lagos State Government has thrown its weight behind the film, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu applauding its success as a reflection of the state’s thriving creative economy. In its press release, the LSFVCB highlighted the film’s role in promoting Nigerian culture and attracting investment to the entertainment sector.
“This achievement underscores Lagos’ position as a hub for African storytelling,” the statement read. “We are proud to support productions that elevate Nollywood’s global profile.”
The state’s involvement aligns with its broader Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere campaign, which aims to generate $100 billion for Nigeria’s GDP through creative industries by 2030. At Cannes, Nigeria will also host a national pavilion to showcase its film talent and foster international collaborations.
While African cinema has a storied history at Cannes—with legends like Senegal’s Djibril Diop Mambéty and Mali’s Souleymane Cissé leaving indelible marks—Nigerian films have rarely featured in the festival’s main selections. Previous entries, like Newton I. Aduaka’s Ezra (2007), appeared in sidebars, but My Father’s Shadow marks a breakthrough for the country’s mainstream recognition.
This year’s festival will also spotlight other African voices, including Egypt’s Aisha Can’t Fly Away and French-Tunisian director Erige Sehiri’s Promised Sky. Yet, Nigeria’s inclusion signals a shift for Nollywood, long known for its prolific output but now gaining traction in arthouse and festival circuits.
With recent successes like Mami Wata (the first Nigerian film at Sundance in 2023) and now My Father’s Shadow, Nigeria’s film industry appears to be diversifying beyond its commercial roots. Funmbi Ogunbanwo, co-producer of the film, sees this as just the beginning.
“We hope audiences discover who we are as a people and see that this is only the start of how far our stories can go,” she said.
As the world turns its gaze to Cannes in May, My Father’s Shadow stands not just as a cinematic triumph but as a beacon for Nigeria’s creative future—one where Lagos takes its rightful place on the global stage.
The 78th Cannes Film Festival runs from May 13–24, 2025. The premiere date for My Father’s Shadow will be announced soon.
•Featured image from left: Actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù stars in ‘My Father’s Shadow,’ directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-produced by Fatherland Productions CEO Funmbi Ogunbanwo/Shane Anthony Sinclair/Getty Images/Courtesy Fatherland Productions
