*The highly anticipated film “My Father’s Shadow” is set to hit theaters on February 6, with Mubi distributing the Akinola Davies Jr.-directed drama. The semi-autobiographical story follows two young brothers as they spend a tense day navigating Lagos with their long-absent father during Nigeria’s turbulent 1993 presidential election.
As Deadline reports, Sope Dirisu plays the father attempting to rebuild his relationship with his distant sons, portrayed by Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo, against the backdrop of that historic and ultimately annulled vote.
Co-written with his brother Wale Davies, Akinola said the historical backdrop of his debut feature “helped us create a huge amount of tension and tell the story of what actually happened in that period in Nigeria. It also helps people understand the history of Nigerians, as well as the diaspora, as well as other people in Africa, as well as other people in the world.”
He also reflected on the cultural fascination with Nigeria, explaining, “I think people have this obsession about Nigeria in many instances, because you hear it in the music and you see it in the fashion or talent. But actually, it serves to know a little bit more than just those things, because it’s a really magical and complex place.”
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The director shared a personal connection to the story, noting that he was 20 months old when his father passed away. He added, “I’d never really conceived of the idea of spending a day with my father… for someone I am named after and never got to know,” revealing the emotional resonance of his brother’s script.
“My Father’s Shadow” made cinematic history as the first Nigerian film to premiere in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard (Official Collection). The film has already earned critical acclaim: Sopé Dìrísù won Outstanding Lead Performance, while Akinola Davies Jr. received the Breakthrough Director award at the 35th annual Gotham Awards.
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