CANNES, June 12 (AGCNewsNet) — British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. has etched his name in the history books with My Father’s Shadow, becoming the first Nigerian director to have a film officially selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s main lineup. The achievement is being hailed as a landmark moment for African cinema, ushering in a new era of globally resonant and introspective African storytelling.

“I never set out to be the first in anything,” Davies said during a media session at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. “We certainly didn’t know this would be the first Nigerian film in the official selection. But Nigerians understand the weight of this moment — and for me, representing Nigeria is a true badge of honour.”

Set in Lagos during the pivotal year of 1993, My Father’s Shadow follows two young brothers who reunite with their estranged father for a single day. As he takes them on a journey across the city, the story unfolds into a meditation on fatherhood, brotherhood, and the national psyche during one of Nigeria’s most politically charged periods.

Davies, who lived in Nigeria at the time, drew from personal memories and rigorous research to shape the narrative. “We were probably too young to grasp the politics, but we could sense something was happening,” he explained. “That era was deeply formative, yet rarely explored on screen — until now.”

Shot entirely on 16mm film, the feature is a visual homage to Lagos, with Davies describing his aesthetic choice as both artistic and political. “I love the pace and imperfections of film,” he said. “It lets you be present with the actors and the city. Lagos is immensely cinematic, and I wanted to capture it in the most beautiful format possible.”

Despite challenges — including a lack of film labs in Africa, which delayed viewing of dailies — the filmmaker says the outcome justifies the effort.

Though primarily funded in the UK, My Father’s Shadow was co-produced by a Nigerian company and showcases a strong Nigerian cast and crew. Major partners include MUBI, Element Pictures, Match Factory, Fremantle, the BBC, and the British Film Institute.

“Not every filmmaker has access to this level of support,” Davies noted. “But I hope this film demonstrates that with collaboration and intention, it is possible to build something this meaningful.”

While My Father’s Shadow differs from Nollywood’s trademark commercial style, Davies sees it as part of the industry’s broader evolution. “Nollywood is rich in creativity and skill,” he said. “This is just another facet — one that leans toward auteur-driven cinema. I hope it opens doors for more nuanced, emotionally layered stories.”

The director believes that reclaiming African narratives is central to the continent’s cultural and creative empowerment. “For Nigeria to truly realise its potential, we need to tell our own stories,” he said. “Not through borrowed lenses, but in ways that speak directly to us. This film is one step in that direction.”

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Source: AfricaNews