The film My Father’s Shadow marks a historic moment for Nigerian cinema, having become the nation’s first entry into the Cannes Film Festival’s official selection. This semi-autobiographical drama, born from the loss that director Akinola Davies and his brother Wale experienced as children, explores memory and paternal estrangement against the backdrop of 1993 Nigeria. Shot on location in Lagos with a local crew, the film captures the city’s working-class heart. Its quiet power, spearheaded by Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù’s poignant performance, has sparked a global conversation, winning major awards from Palm Springs to London. Beyond its critical acclaim, the movie is blazing a trail for a new wave of Nigerian arthouse storytelling, proving deeply personal stories can resonate on the world’s most prestigious stages.
CNN
