Nigerian Cinema in the Spotlight as ‘My Father’s Shadow’ to Premiere in Cannes Film Festival First
Nigerian cinema achieved a historic milestone on April 10, 2025, as “My Father’s Shadow,” directed by Akinola Davies Jr., was announced as the first Nigerian fiction film selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s prestigious Un Certain Regard section. Set against the 1993 Nigerian election crisis, the semi-autobiographical drama starring Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù will premiere at the 78th Cannes Film Festival, running May 13-24, marking a bold step for Nollywood on the global stage. With Nigeria’s creative industry buzzing, the selection signals a new era for authentic African storytelling as of April 11, 2025.
A Historic First: Nigeria at Cannes
The Cannes Film Festival, the world’s most revered cinematic showcase, unveiled its 2025 lineup on April 10, spotlighting “My Father’s Shadow” as a groundbreaking entry. Directed by Akinola Davies Jr., the film—produced by Element Pictures, Fatherland Productions, and Crybaby—explores two brothers navigating Lagos with their estranged father amid political unrest. Thierry Frémaux, festival general delegate, noted the selection’s significance, saying it may be Nigeria’s first in the Official Selection, pending archive checks. Davies Jr. called it “a testament to everyone dedicated to authentic Nigerian stories,” highlighting the crew’s resilience.
A Story Rooted in Nigeria’s Soul
Set during the turbulent 1993 presidential election annulment, “My Father’s Shadow” weaves Yoruba, Pidgin, and Lagos-Ibadan street names into a poignant tale of family and societal upheaval. British-Nigerian actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, known for “Gangs of London,” leads as the father, joined by Uzoamaka Aniunoh and Winifred Efon. The film’s raw authenticity, backed by distributor MUBI and co-financers BBC Film and BFI, has drawn buzz since its development. “We hope audiences discover who we are as a people,” Davies Jr. said, emphasizing its cultural depth.
Nollywood’s Global Leap Forward
Nigeria’s film industry, the continent’s largest, has long thrived on volume—churning out thousands of movies yearly—but lacked Cannes’ spotlight, unlike Francophone African cinema from Senegal or Mali. Past Nigerian films, like Newton Aduaka’s “Ezra,” hit sidebars like International Critics Week in 2007, but none cracked the Official Selection until now. The 2023 Sundance premiere of “Mami Wata” hinted at Nollywood’s diversification, and “My Father’s Shadow” cements it. Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa hailed it as “a landmark for Nigerian storytelling,” tying it to the “Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere” campaign aiming for $100 billion in creative GDP by 2030.
Social Media Erupts: Pride and Pressure
The announcement lit up social media, with #MyFathersShadow topping 50,000 X posts by April 11 morning. Fans celebrated online, with one user calling it “Nollywood’s time to shine!” while others noted the pressure on Davies Jr. to represent. Producer Funmbi Ogunbanwo of Fatherland Productions, a BAFTA and Sundance alum, shared, “This is for every technician grinding in Lagos.” Yet, some voiced skepticism, questioning if one film can shift Nollywood’s commercial image. The debate underscores Nigeria’s hunger for global recognition amid economic and security woes.
Cannes and Beyond: Nigeria’s Creative Surge
Nigeria’s Cannes presence extends beyond the screen. The Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy will launch “Screen Nigeria” at the festival’s international village, promoting local talent under the “Destination 2030” banner. With “My Father’s Shadow” joined by African films like Egypt’s “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” in Un Certain Regard, the continent’s cinematic voice grows louder. As Nigeria grapples with 40% inflation and Boko Haram’s resurgence, this milestone offers hope—proof that its stories can resonate worldwide. Will it spark a Nollywood renaissance?
