1993 presented an intense political emergency in Nigeria. A country filled with unease, the city of Lagos became more than just a buzzing and cultural location. It presented dangers from just the smallest of interactions. The first presidential election since the first military coup ended the country’s Second Republic in 1993. However, the results were never announced as the election was annulled due to what was said to be electoral corruption.
In Akinola Davies Jr.’s feature-length directorial debut, he recounts an autobiographical story in a rich, colourful and intimate way. With his brother, Wale Davies, their script pulled inspiration from the loss of their father at a young age. The film places two young brothers at the forefront. It is not always easy for youth to grow up so isolated from the world around them. Making it even harder, is to do so without a prominent father figure in their lives. While literally and physically having the brothers follow their father, the idea of his shadow prevails. Though it can be seen, Davies Jr. makes it so the audience has to find and understand the deeper meaning of the shadow.
My Father’s Shadow had its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025, as part of their “Un Certain Regard” section. Stealing the hearts of its audiences, the film has been critically acclaimed without even a global release yet.
Two young brothers, Akinola (Godwin Egbo) and Olaremi (Chibuike Marvellous Egbo), are estranged from their father, Folarin (Șopé Dìrísù). Then on one day, he returns and brings them with him to Lagos for work. Having barely seen the world outside their home, the boys are now given the chance to explore. Amidst the 1993 Nigerian election crisis, Akinola and Olaremi witness the vastness of the city and their father’s daily struggles. Though political unease threatens their journey home, the lessons the boys learn become those that they will never forget.
Davies Jr. has created an autobiographical piece accounting memories of his childhood and forged a key moment for Nigeria. My Father’s Shadow became the first Nigerian film to premiere in Cannes. A truly impressive and emotional first feature for Davies Jr.. To share an account of your experience in such a raw and intimate way takes immense amounts of strength. Having the final results be so impactful to so many members of the audience would therefore have to feel incredibly moving.
For those who enter the world of My Father’s Shadow without any prior knowledge of Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis, Davies Jr. provides enough context to understand. With a haunting and flickering introduction, the stage is set and the environment is established. The way in which the film has been shot and edited, combined with the colouring helps transport the audience into the film even more. Davies Jr.’s stylistic choices feel right for where and when My Father’s Shadow takes place.
A must watch. The film’s heart comes from the capabilities of the two Egbo brothers and Dìrísù’s portrayal of their father. There is quite a lot hidden from the audience in terms of the framing of the three protagonists. However, the way in which they carry themselves in front of the camera hints to there being more below the surface level of what we simply see. As a member of the audience we see the world unfold through the eyes of the young boys, the piece that holds the film together is the mystery of their father. Completely aching and raw is the only way to describe Dìrísù’s performance. So much is conveyed in this tribute to Davies Jr.’s father.
Even surrounded by such strain and turmoil from the electoral crisis, the boys’ chaotic journey still remains nostalgic. As the path unfolds in front of them, the audience begins to feel and remember what it is like to truly understand. Within such a short period of time, Akinola and Olaremi are given the chance to see the world, and their father, in a new way. All of this made even more real through the innocence the Egbo brothers bring to the screen. Losing their innocence amidst this small point in time, there is nothing more pure than what the audience sees them experience.
Through the viewpoint of two young boys, My Father’s Shadow is an endearing tribute to a father lost too soon. For a feature-length directorial debut, Davies Jr. accomplishes so much. Not only is the film stunning, it holds heart and an impactful message for its audience. Releasing February 6 in the UK, be sure to see this film while you can. Support a new up and coming director, and support independent film-making.
