The Doha Film Institute, in partnership with VOX Cinemas, screened the Nigerian drama «My Father’s Shadow» for audiences in Qatar, following an international journey that began with its selection as the first film from Nigeria to compete in the Official Selection of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival and continued with international awards and honors.
A launch at Cannes
The film is the first feature-length narrative work by Nigerian-British director Akinola Davies Jr. (Akinola Davies Jr.), and its world premiere took place in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. It later received a special mention for the Caméra d'Or, which honors first directorial features.
A family story in Nigeria in 1993
«My Father’s Shadow» is set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s historic 1993 presidential election and follows two young brothers as they spend an emotionally charged day in Lagos with their estranged father. The film explores themes of family, identity, memory and political uncertainty.
Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù plays Folarin, alongside newcomers Godwin Chiemerie Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo. Akinola Davies Jr. co-wrote the film with his brother Wale Davies, while it was produced by Element Pictures, Fatherland Productions, BBC Film, the British Film Institute and Crybaby.
Principal photography took place in Lagos, with cinematographer Jermaine Edwards shooting the film on 16mm film to evoke the atmosphere of Nigeria in the early 1990s.
International screenings and honors
Following its screening in Cannes, the film was shown at the Toronto International Film Festival and the International Film Festival of India, where it won the Special Jury Award, the “Silver Peacock.” It also won the BAFTA Award for Outstanding British Debut, along with honors at the British Independent Film Awards and the Gotham Awards for independent films.
The film was later selected to officially represent the United Kingdom in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.
International films for Qatar audiences
The screening of «My Father’s Shadow» in Qatar comes as part of the Doha Film Institute’s effort to bring critically acclaimed international films to audiences in the region and highlight emerging voices from countries of the Global South.
