A few months ago, I wrote about the chances of the acclaimed historical drama My Father’s Shadow finally earning Nigeria its first nomination for ‘Best International Feature Film’ at the Oscars. Well, it looks like Nigeria will have to keep waiting as My Father’s Shadow has been selected as the U.K.’s official submission for the category instead.
My Father’s Shadow, the debut feature from British-Nigerian director Akinola Davies Jr., made history earlier this year as the first Nigerian feature screened at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it earned rave reviews and a special mention from the jury.
Set against the tense backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian elections and filmed entirely in Lagos and Ibadan, My Father’s Shadow follows a day in the life of two brothers (played by newcomers Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo) as they travel with their estranged father (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) from a small village to Lagos.
Who is behind the film?
The film was written by Wale Davies (one half of the beloved rap duo Show Dem Camp) and co-written by Akinola Davies Jr., marking their second collaboration after Lizard (2020), which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2021 and earned a BAFTA nomination for ‘Best British Short Film.’
Produced by U.K.-based Element Pictures (in association with Crybaby and Fatherland Productions), My Father’s Shadow brings together a creative team that bridges British and Nigerian cinema.
Producers include Funmbi Ogunbanwo for Fatherland Productions, with Dìrísù, Wale Davies, and Akinola Davies Jr. also serving as executive producers.
In a statement, the filmmaking team said:
“We are so proud to be telling this Nigerian story and to sit alongside others in the international feature category that curate local to global stories, creating a diversity of storytelling that thrives through the power of collaboration.”
What are the film’s Oscar chances now?
In my earlier analysis of the film’s Oscar prospects, I noted that none of Nigeria’s four previous submissions — Lionheart (2019), The Milkmaid (2020), Mami Wata (2023), and Mai Martaba (2024) — were able to make it onto the 15-film shortlist that precedes the nominations.
By contrast, the U.K. has received three nominations from 22 submissions in this category, even winning its first Oscar two years ago for the German historical drama, The Zone of Interest (2023). That track record significantly boosts My Father’s Shadow’s chances of making the cut.
While the film is yet to premiere in the U.K., it continues to show in Nigerian cinemas, where it was released by Film One to critical and commercial success. It topped the Nigerian box office on its opening weekend in September and drew praise from moviegoers for its stunning cinematography and thoughtful writing.
The Oscar shortlist for ‘Best International Feature Film’ will be announced on December 16, followed by the final five nominees on January 22.
ALSO READ: 10 Best Nollywood Movies to Watch When You’re Homesick Abroad
