My Father’s Shadow Makes History at Cannes
CANNES, France — The film “My Father’s Shadow” has become a landmark for Nigerian cinema by being the first Nigerian movie included in the official selection at the Cannes Film Festival. This achievement highlights the growing influence and talent of Nigeria’s film industry, popularly known as Nollywood.
The movie tells a deeply personal story created by brothers Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies, who lost their father when they were toddlers. The film explores the haunting question: what if they had spent just one day with him? This touching tribute unfolds in Lagos in 1993, capturing a day filled with memories, dreams, and loss.
Personal Journey to Create a Father-Son Tale
The Davies brothers began developing the idea more than a decade ago. Wale wrote the first script in 2012 and shared it with Akinola without any context. “I actually cried when I read it because I had never conceived of the idea of spending a day with my father and what we would say to him and what he would be like,” Akinola shared with local sources.
To bring their father’s memory to life, they combined fragments of personal memories, family stories, and dreams. Despite being very young when their father passed away, they carefully pieced together his character. The actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù portrays the father, while Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo play the brothers.
The Film’s Connection to Nigeria and Nollywood
Shot entirely in Lagos, “My Father’s Shadow” draws heavily from the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Akinola describes Lagos as naturally cinematic, saying, “Point a camera at anything in Lagos, and it’s so cinematic.”
The film also reflects the heart of Nollywood. “The Nigerian press asks me a lot if the film is Nollywood or not Nollywood. I would say it is because all the technicians work in Nollywood,” Akinola explained. This project is a testament to the thriving Nigerian film industry and its ability to tell meaningful stories on the global stage.
A Day of Political and Personal Significance
Set against the backdrop of a critical moment in Nigerian history, the story unfolds on the day when General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who took power in a military coup, refused to accept the results of a democratic election in 1993. This day not only pauses the nation’s democratic hopes but also reflects the personal loss and dreams of the Davies family.
The film’s premiere at Cannes also led to Nigeria establishing its own national pavilion at the festival’s international village, signaling the country’s growing presence in international cinema.
International Reach and Future Impact
While rooted in Nigerian culture, the film also connects to the United Kingdom, where Akinola is based. The movie was acquired by a distributor for North American release ahead of the festival, promising wider international exposure.
For the Davies brothers, this film represents more than just a story — it is a bridge between memory, identity, and the power of cinema. “It’s kind of the confluence of memory, dream and hearsay,” Akinola said. “How do you work through all of that to create a portrait?”
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