Nollywood has given us so many unforgettable films, and this year has been no different. My Father’s Shadow, a new movie by Nigerian director Akinola Davies Jr., made history at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France. For the first time ever, a Nigerian fiction film was chosen to be part of the official Cannes selection. That is a big win for the Nigerian film industry. Nollywood is experiencing a proud moment with the release of My Father’s Shadow, which arrives in Nigerian cinemas on September 19, 2025.
Premiere and Release Information
After its world premiere at Cannes in May 2025, Akinola Davies Jr.’s My Father’s Shadow will have its Nigerian theatrical premiere on September 19, 2025. A milestone moment for Nigerian cinema, capturing memory, identity, and national history on the big screen
A Story About Family and Love
My Father’s Shadow is inspired by the real-life memories of Akinola Davies and his brother Wale, who also co-wrote the story. It follows a father, played by British-Nigerian actor Sope Dirisu, spending a single day with his two sons in Lagos during the political chaos of the 1993 Nigerian elections.
But beyond the politics, the heart of this movie is about family, memory, and love. It shows the pain of growing up with an absent father. The joy of passing moments together, and the way children hold onto small memories that shape them for life. It’s a story so many Nigerian families can relate to.
A True Nigerian Film
Even though the movie had support from global partners like BBC Film, and MUBI, the soul of it is fully Nigerian. More than 80% of the crew were Nigerians, and it was filmed in Lagos and Ibadan, capturing the real energy of our streets and neighborhoods.
Akinola Davies has said he cried the first time he read the script and it’s easy to see why. My Father’s Shadow feels raw, emotional, and deeply personal.
The World’s Response
At Cannes, the movie received a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or (Best First Feature Film). And critics praised it as one of the festival’s most touching works. The Guardian called it “subtle and intelligent,” while Reuters highlighted its bold look at fatherhood and masculinity. Streaming platform MUBI has already acquired it, which means people around the world will soon be able to watch.
Why It Matters for Nollywood
This movie is bigger than just one success, it’s a moment for all of Nollywood. It shows that Nigerian filmmakers can tell stories that are deeply personal yet universal enough to move audiences across the world.
