My Father's Shadow
| My Father's Shadow | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Akinola Davies Jr. |
| Written by | Wale Davies Akinola Davies Jr. |
| Produced by |
|
| Starring | Sope Dirisu |
| Cinematography | Jermaine Edwards |
| Edited by | Omar Guzmán Castro |
| Music by |
|
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Mubi |
Release date |
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Running time | 94 minutes |
| Countries | United Kingdom Ireland Nigeria |
| Language | English |
My Father's Shadow is a 2025 drama film directed by Akinola Davies Jr., in his feature length film debut, from a screenplay he co-wrote with his brother Wale Davies. Starring Sope Dirisu, it follows a family reunion during the 1993 Nigerian election.[1][2]
The film had its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2025,[3] where it won the Special Mention for the Caméra d'Or. It is the first ever Nigerian film to be selected for the festival's Official Selection.[4]
Premise
Set against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, two young brothers spend a day in Lagos with their estranged father.[5]
Cast
- Godwin Chiemerie Egbo
- Chibuike Marvellous Egbo
Production
The film is produced by Element Pictures and directed by Akinola Davies Jr. from a script he co-wrote with Wale Davies. It is produced in association with Crybaby and Fatherland Productions. It was developed by BBC Film, who were a co-financer, and the BFI. Producers are Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures and Funmbi Ogunbanwo for Fatherland Productions.[6]
The Davies brothers developed the idea for the film over more than a decade, drawing inspiration from the loss of their father when they were both very young. In 2012, Wale wrote the first draft of the script, which centers on two brothers spending a day in Lagos with their father on the day of Nigeria’s historic 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as a turning point in the nation’s contemporary history.[7]
Principal photography took place in Lagos, Nigeria.[8]
Release
The film had its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival on 18 May 2025.
The streaming service Mubi acquired distribution rights for North America, the U.K., Ireland, and Turkey in February 2025.[2]
Reception
Early reviews following the film's premiere at Cannes from media such as Variety, Deadline Hollywood, The Guardian, IndieWire, and Screen Daily were widely favorable. [9][10][11][12][13]
References
- ^ Kan, Toni (April 14, 2025). "'My Father's Shadow' set for historic Cannes debut". The Lagos Review. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
- ^ a b Ford, Lily (April 15, 2025). "Two Boys and Their Dad Wander Through Lagos in 'My Father's Shadow' (Exclusive First Look)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
- ^ "The Screenings Guide of the 78th Festival de Cannes". Festival de Cannes. May 8, 2025. Retrieved May 8, 2025.
- ^ "Cannes standout 'My Father's Shadow' marks a historic first for Nigeria". AP News. Retrieved May 21, 2025.
- ^ Ford, Lily (February 11, 2025). "Sopé Dìrísù Leads Akinola Davies Jr.'s Directorial Debut, 'My Father's Shadow,' Set in Lagos". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (February 11, 2025). "Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù Leads Akinola Davies Jr's Buzzy Feature Debut 'My Father's Shadow' For Element, BBC Film, BFI, Mubi & The Match Factory". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ "Cannes standout 'My Father's Shadow' marks a historic first for Nigeria". AP News. May 19, 2025. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ Ritman, Alex (February 11, 2025). "Sope Dirisu to Lead Akinola Davies Jr.'s 'My Father's Shadow' for Element Pictures, BBC Film, Mubi". Variety. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ Elfadl, Murtada (May 19, 2025). "'My Father's Shadow' Review: Nigeria's First Ever Cannes Selection Marks a Miraculous Gem of Autofiction". Variety. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ Hammond, Pete (May 18, 2025). "'My Father's Shadow' Review: First Nigerian Film Selected For Competition Is A Moving Universal Story Of Fathers And Sons – Cannes Film Festival". Deadline. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ Bradshaw, Peter (May 18, 2025). "My Father's Shadow review – subtle and intelligent coming-of-age tale set in 1993 Nigeria". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ Ehrlich, David (May 18, 2025). "'My Father's Shadow' Review: The First Nigerian Film to Premiere at Cannes Is a Beautifully Remembered Drama About a Fateful Day Trip Into Lagos". IndieWire. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
- ^ Ide2025-05-18T13:34:00+01:00, Wendy. "'My Father's Shadow' review: Sope Dirisu stars in this electric debut set in 1990s Nigeria". Screen. Retrieved May 22, 2025.
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