In a groundbreaking achievement for Nigerian cinema, the film ‘My Father’s Shadow’ — written and directed by Akinola Davies Jr. has become the first Nigerian movie in 78 years to be selected for the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
Set in Lagos during the tumultuous aftermath of the 1993 presidential election, ‘My Father’s Shadow’ will feature in the “Un Certain Regard” category, a respected strand of the official Cannes selection that highlights bold works by emerging filmmakers and global cinema talents.
The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, lauded the achievement, calling it a landmark moment in Nigerian storytelling and a powerful validation of the country’s creative excellence.
In a statement signed by the minister’s special adviser on media and pulicity Nneka Anibeze, Musawa, said, “This momentous achievement is not only a personal milestone for Akinola Davies and the remarkable team at Fatherland Productions, led by the brilliant Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Wale Davies, but also a landmark moment for Nigerian cinema and storytelling.
“With a predominantly Nigerian cast and crew, the film reflects the richness of our stories, the depth of our artistry, and the beauty of our cultural identity.”
The Minister said the global relevance of Nigerian creativity and affirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the film at Cannes through the Screen Nigeria initiative—an arm of the national campaign ‘Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere’.
“This Cannes selection is a ringing endorsement of the transformative power of Nigerian creativity. It shows the world that we are not just participants, but contenders—ready to shape the global narrative with our unique voice, vision, and excellence.”
Musawa also applauded Fatherland Productions, whose work has previously garnered recognition from major international platforms such as the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and the Sundance Film Festival.
“You have shown what it means to carry the Nigerian flag with grace and brilliance on the world stage.”
‘My Father’s Shadow’ was selected from among 2,909 feature film submissions for the 2025 Cannes lineup, and it marks a significant cultural milestone as Nigeria prepares to launch Screen Nigeria at the festival.
This initiative under the ‘Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere’ campaign aims to export Nigeria’s creative products and amplify the voices of talents like Davies, Ogunbanwo and Wale Davies on the global stage.
“Let this achievement ignite the dreams of the next generation of Nigerian storytellers,” Musawa said.
“Let it reaffirm our commitment to creating an enabling environment for creativity to thrive, and let it remind us all that Nigerian art, culture, and talent know no bounds.”
The 78th Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 13 to 24, 2025.
