My Father’s Shadow hits global cinemas after Oscar’s absence
British-Nigerian filmmaker, Akinola Davies Jr’s debut film, ‘My Father’s Shadow,’ has hit the cinemas around the globe. This release comes on the heels of the film’s exclusion from this year’s
British-Nigerian filmmaker, Akinola Davies Jr’s debut film, ‘My Father’s Shadow,’ has hit the cinemas around the globe.
This release comes on the heels of the film’s exclusion from this year’s Academy Awards (Oscar) international feature shortlist.
Set against the backdrop of the political upheaval that ensued after Nigeria’s annulled 1993 presidential election, the drama is currently screening in the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Italy, and Spain.
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In response to the absence at Oscar, Davies Jr said that being selected as the United Kingdom’s official submission was a profound honour.
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“Every one of them carries its own truth, and it’s an honour to be in conversation with that work,” he said.
Although the film did not advance in the Oscar race, Davies Jr conveyed his appreciation to the organisers and his team.
“Thank you BAFTA for your belief in the film’s support. ‘My Father’s Shadow’ is carried by so many hands,” he expressed.
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Written by Wale Davies and co-written by Akinola Davies Jr, the film stars Şopé Dìrísù, Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo. The narrative chronicles the experiences of two young brothers, Akin and Remi, over the course of a single day in Lagos as they seek to reconnect with their estranged father, Fola, portrayed by Şopé Dìrísù.
“I think those two things — Nigeria not getting this father figure and the boys not getting their father figure — married each other pretty well,” Davies Jr has said.
The film recently garnered a Special Mention at the Cannes Film Festival, among accolades from various other film festivals.
