Photo: Cast of My Father’s Shadow, Sope Dirisu, Uzoamaka Aniunoh, and Winifred Efon
By Oghenekevwe Kofi
Big things are happening on the global film stage — and Nigeria is front and center.
Today in Paris, the Cannes Film Festival unveiled its Official Selection for the 78th edition, and among the heavyweights and international stars, a powerful Nigerian story has claimed its space. My Father’s Shadow, the debut feature from Nigerian-British filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., is officially heading to Cannes!
This marks a monumental moment for Nollywood and African cinema at large, as Davies Jr.’s film will premiere in the Un Certain Regard section — a space known for bold, distinct storytelling and cinematic innovation.
Set in Lagos during the tense backdrop of the 1993 presidential election, My Father’s Shadow follows two young brothers reconnecting with their estranged father during a single, emotionally charged day. With political chaos unfolding in the background, the story focuses on family, memory, and identity — all wrapped in an intimate, beautifully crafted narrative. Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù leads the cast that in Uzoamaka Aniunoh, and Winifred Efon, with a powerful performance, and the film is backed by BBC Film, the British Film Institute, Element Pictures, and Nigeria’s own Fatherland Productions.
For Nigerian creatives, this is more than just a film premiere — it’s a cultural win. It’s proof that our stories, when told with authenticity and craft, belong on the world’s biggest stages.
“From Lagos to Cannes” — What This Means for Nigerian Cinema
The inclusion of My Father’s Shadow at Cannes isn’t just a proud moment; it’s a turning point. It shows that Nigerian filmmakers are not just participating in global conversations — we’re shaping them.
With more young directors, writers, and producers coming up with fresh perspectives and bold visions, this could inspire a wave of homegrown films that balance local storytelling with international quality and appeal.
Meanwhile, at Cannes 2025…
Alongside My Father’s Shadow, this year’s festival line-up is stacked. Wes Anderson’s The Phoenician Scheme — an espionage black comedy starring Scarlett Johansson, Michael Cera, and Benicio del Toro — is already creating buzz. And legendary French actress Juliette Binoche will be heading the jury, 40 years after her own Cannes debut.
Here are a few highlights from the line-up:
Top Picks from the Official Selection
In Competition:
- The Phoenician Scheme – Wes Anderson
- New Wave (Nouvelle Vague) – Richard Linklater
- A Simple Accident – Jafar Panahi
- Eddington – Ari Aster
- Sentimental Value – Joachim Trier
Un Certain Regard:
- My Father’s Shadow – Akinola Davies Jr.
- Eleanor the Great – Scarlett Johansson
- Aisha Can’t Fly Away – Morad Mostafa
- Once Upon a Time in Gaza – Tarzan and Arab Nasser
- Pillion – Harry Lighton
Out of Competition:
- Bye Bye (Partir un jour) – Amélie Bonnin (Opening Film)
- Highest 2 Lowest – Spike Lee
- Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – Christopher McQuarrie
What’s Next?
The 78th Cannes Film Festival runs from May 13 to 24, 2025. As the international spotlight turns to the French Riviera, the Nigerian flag will be flying high — not just as a symbol of national pride, but as a statement: we are here, and our stories matter.
For young Nigerian filmmakers, screenwriters, actors, and creatives — this is your sign. The world is watching. Let’s keep telling our stories, our way.
Naija To The World
Want updates from Cannes, exclusive interviews, and behind-the-scenes scoops from My Father’s Shadow? Keep it locked right here: www.naijadaily.news for exclusive updates from the festival, interviews with the cast and crew, and deep dives into how Nigerian creatives are making waves in global entertainment.
