Nigeria at Cannes: My “Father’s Shadow” Becomes First Nigerian Film to Premiere at the Festival

A Nigerian film, My Father’s Shadow, by Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Wale Davis, and Akinola Davis Jr., has officially become a global critic favorite — making history as the first-ever Nigerian film to be screened at the Cannes Film Festival in France.

A universally relatable story, My Father’s Shadow follows the emotional return of an absent father who suddenly re-enters his sons’ lives and takes them into his care. The film made its big debut at the festival yesterday to love, applause, and a standing ovation from the audience.

What makes this moment even more powerful is the fact that this is Akinola Davis Jr.’s directorial debut — and launching onto the global stage like this is nothing short of a statement. It confirms the genius we’ve always known was there.

Now, I haven’t personally seen the film yet, but I already have a few takeaways from this historic moment in the culture. First, that anything is possible. No matter who we are or where we’re from, we can build, create, and achieve what we dream of. That’s the kind of inspiration that fuels every young Nigerian creative to push further. My father’s shadow was also nominated at the just concluded BAFATs here in the UK.