For the first time in the Cannes film festival’s nearly 80-year history, a movie —'My father's shadow’—from Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, has been chosen as part of the Official Selection.
Despite the Cannes Film Festival reviewing an impressive 2,909 feature films in preparation for its 2025 lineup—a number that reflects the depth and diversity of global cinema—'My Father’s Shadow’ emerged as a standout selection. In a year marked by intense competition and a wide array of international storytelling, the film’s compelling narrative, artistic vision, and cultural resonance secured its place on the prestigious roster.
‘My Father’s Shadow’ is a family saga, directed by Akinola Davies Jr., based on the screenplay by his brother Wale Davies. Presented in a Certain Regard, this semi-autobiographical story follows a father and his two children in the Nigerian capital Lagos, shaken by tremendous political unrest in 1993.
Notably, ‘My Father’s Shadow’ will not be the only representative from Africa this year, signaling a broader recognition of the continent’s cinematic contributions. Still, its inclusion speaks volumes about the film’s ability to rise above thousands of contenders and capture the attention of one of the world’s most discerning film festivals. The film had its world premiere on May 18, 2025, and garnered widespread acclaim from international critics.
The film follows a father and his two estranged sons as they travel across the chaotic metropolis while political unrest threatens their homeward journey. It features Dìrísù as Folarin, a hard-luck breadwinner trying to provide for his family, and breakout talents Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo as his two young boys.
The film begins on a pivotal June day in 1993, as Nigeria is eagerly awaiting the results of its first democratic election since the military coup that brought strongman General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida to power. The unofficial results suggest a victory for the opposition, leading millions of Nigerians to cling to the hope that a new day is dawning in the West African nation.
Folarin, harbors his own hopes for a new Nigeria. But on that fateful day he’s on a more prosaic mission to collect several months of back wages from his employer in Lagos. With his wife out of town, he begrudgingly allows his sons to tag along, not knowing that the country is on the brink of an electoral crisis.
In the ensuing political drama, the filmmakers find echoes of Folarin’s own struggles to provide for his family, with Wale noting: “Your country is meant to…take care of you, almost like a father or mother would. But what happens when the promise of that is [shattered]?”
“My Father’s Shadow” marks the culmination of a long creative journey for the Davies brothers, beginning with a script Wale wrote more than a decade ago. Composed in the form of a letter to their late father — the writing of which Wale likens to “an out-of-body experience”— the screenplay evoked a “visceral emotional reaction” that reduced Akinola to tears.
While ‘My Father’s Shadow’ marks another major milestone, it isn’t the duo’s first big break. ‘Lizard’ already set a high bar for their impressive creative journey. After the short film won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and was nominated for a BAFTA, the duo decided to team up once more for ‘My Father’s Shadow’.
‘My Father’s Shadow’ has not only made a powerful statement at Cannes 2025, but it also highlights the growing recognition of African cinema on the global stage. The film's selection has been hailed as a testament to the transformative power of Nigerian creativity. It underscores the country's potential to shape global narratives through authentic and compelling storytelling.