Image: MY FATHER'S SHADOW featuring Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo. © Lakin Ogunbanwo
By Jon Donnis
The first look has been revealed for My Father's Shadow, the highly anticipated directorial debut from Akinola Davies Jnr., set to premiere at this year's Cannes Film Festival. The feature stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, known for his performances in His House and Gangs of London, and is already generating buzz as a deeply personal and politically resonant tale set in 1990s Nigeria.
A semi-autobiographical story co-written by Davies and his brother Wale Davies, My Father's Shadow unfolds over a single day during the 1993 Nigerian election crisis. It follows a father and his two estranged young sons as they attempt to navigate the sprawling, chaotic city of Lagos, with political tensions mounting around them. The film promises an intimate portrait of fractured relationships set against the backdrop of a country on the brink of upheaval.
The project reunites the team behind Lizard, the Sundance-winning short that also earned a BAFTA nomination. My Father's Shadow was developed and co-financed by BBC Film and the BFI, with additional support from MUBI, which pre-bought distribution rights in North America, the UK, Ireland, and Turkey. Produced by Element Pictures and Fatherland Productions, the film features an ensemble of executive producers including Davies himself, along with Dìrísù and Wale Davies.
Speaking about the film, Akinola Davies Jnr. described the experience as "beyond a dream," noting the deeply personal nature of the story and the rare opportunity to show an authentic, rarely seen side of Lagos. "Working with the powerhouse that is Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, who brought such magic to his character, has been an incredible experience," Davies said.
With My Father's Shadow, Davies offers not only a heartfelt family drama but also a timely and visually rich depiction of Nigeria's turbulent history, positioning himself as a bold new voice in international cinema.