My Father's Shadow
| My Father's Shadow | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Akinola Davies Jr. |
| Written by | Wale Davies Akinola Davies Jr. |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Mubi |
Release date |
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| Countries | United Kingdom Ireland Nigeria |
| Language | English |
My Father's Shadow is an upcoming drama film directed by Akinola Davies Jr. (in his feature length film debut) from a screenplay he co-wrote with his brother, Wale Davies. Starring Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, it follows a family reunion during the 1993 Nigerian election.
The film, a British-Nigerian co-production, will have its world premiere at the Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the first time a Nigerian film has been selected for the festival's Official Selection. The streaming service Mubi acquired distribution rights for North America, the U.K., Ireland, and Turkey in February 2025. [1][2] [3]
Premise
[edit]Set against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, two young brothers spend a day in Lagos with their estranged father.[4]
Cast
[edit]- Godwin Chiemerie Egbo
- Chibuike Marvellous Egbo
Production
[edit]The film is produced by Element Pictures and directed by Akinola Davies Jr from a script he co-wrote with Wale Davies. It is produced in association with Crybaby and Fatherland Productions. It was developed by BBC Film, who were a co-financer, and the BFI. Producers are Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures and Funmbi Ogunbanwo for Fatherland Productions.[5]
The cast is led by Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù. The film was in post-production in February 2025 with principal photography having taken place on location in Lagos, Nigeria.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "The films of the Official Selection 2025". Festival de Cannes. April 10, 2025. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
- ^ Kan, Toni (April 14, 2025). "'My Father's Shadow' set for historic Cannes debut". The Lagos Review. Retrieved April 14, 2025.
- ^ Ford, Lily (April 15, 2025). "Two Boys and Their Dad Wander Through Lagos in 'My Father's Shadow' (Exclusive First Look)". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved April 15, 2025.
- ^ Ford, Lily (February 11, 2025). "Sopé Dìrísù Leads Akinola Davies Jr.'s Directorial Debut, 'My Father's Shadow,' Set in Lagos". Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (February 11, 2025). "Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù Leads Akinola Davies Jr's Buzzy Feature Debut 'My Father's Shadow' For Element, BBC Film, BFI, Mubi & The Match Factory". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ Ritman, Alex (February 11, 2025). "Sope Dirisu to Lead Akinola Davies Jr.'s 'My Father's Shadow' for Element Pictures, BBC Film, Mubi". Variety. Retrieved February 11, 2025.