Fresh Take: Sitting Down with Film Maven Akinola Davies Jr. – Discussing Nollywood, Cannes, Film, and More
Directing "My Father's Shadow" at Cannes Festival: Interview with Nigerian Filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr.
Akinola Davies Jr.'s cinematic masterpiece, My Father's Shadow, has made headlines following its selection at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. This groundbreaking film is the first Nigeria-born flick to earn an official spot at the festival, shining a global spotlight on the rising star of African cinema.
"It's an absolute honor to represent my culture on such a grand stage," Davies Jr. shared with our team at Reel Culture. "I take great pride in being a Nigerian and being part of the African storytelling movement. Our narratives carry universal appeal, which I believe is at the forefront of shaping the future of filmmaking."
Set in the electric 1993 Lagos, the film takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride as two brothers journey with their estranged father on a critical day leading up to the momentous election that would irrevocably change the course of Nigeria's political landscape. My Father's Shadow delves into the complex tapestry of masculinity, generational baggage, and the frailty of national identity during times of political turmoil.
The powerhouse ensemble cast is rounded out by acclaimed actor Ṣọpé́ Dìrísù as the troubled patriarch, Folarin, flanked by budding talent Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo as his sons.
Davies Jr. co-wrote the captivating script alongside his brother Wale, with both playing an integral role as executive producers. Ahead of its red-carpet premiere, the film secured distribution rights with the reputable global streamer MUBI, setting the stage for theatrical releases in North America and the UK.
After the world première at the prestigious Un Certain Regard section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, the epic tale was graced with the esteemed Caméra d'Or Special Mention.
We caught up with Akinola Davies Jr. to discuss his journey to Cannes, behind-the-scenes tales from the production of My Father's Shadow, and the weighty responsibility of representing Nigeria on the world's most highly coveted cinematic stage.
Reel Culture: Congratulations are truly in order. My Father's Shadow has been met with critical acclaim, picking up the Special Mention for the Caméra d'Or. Can you share a little bit about the surreal experience of attending Cannes and the impact it had on you personally?
Akinola Davies Jr.: It was nothing short of overwhelming, you know? A dream that I never entertained was becoming a reality before my eyes. Stepping onto that red carpet was a feeling I never thought possible. I still have a tough time processing it all.
Speaking for Nigeria and Africa as a whole carries immense significance, and being met with such positive reception only strengthened my resolve to keep pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Nigerian cinema boasts a rich history, from the foundational work of Hubert Ogunde to the more recent contributions of Kunle Afolayan. How does the delay in a film like yours being officially recognized at Cannes factor into this equation?
I find this question quite nuanced. In many ways, it's about curiosity – the media, finance, and many industries are built to favor the global North, so naturally, everyone turns to Europe and America for relevance. However, I believe we're starting to see a bit more introspection, allowing the global North to cast its gaze toward the global South for stories and ideas.
It's equally crucial to recognize that Nigeria is composed of over 300 tribes, each with distinct languages and dialects. Nollywood's primary focus is catering to the domestic market, ranging from the African continent, the diaspora, to the European audience – granted there's incredible European interest – but language barriers often require bridging.
To put it plainly, I believe there's a growing market for nuanced versions of our stories to circulate around the world. Filmmakers like Mati Diop, the Esiri brothers, and myself are spearheading this movement, and I have faith that it will continue to thrive.
How would you characterize the connection between your work and Nollywood?
I'd argue that My Father's Shadow is an undeniably Nollywood film. My cast and crew consists of over 90% individuals who work predominantly within the Nigerian film industry. To disclaim the work as anything other than Nollywood feels disingenuous. The industry, in its entirety, carries a stunning tapestry of storytelling, innovation, and technical prowess. I take immense pride in wearing the Nollywood badge.
An essential aspect of the rise of Nigerian cinema is the dichotomy that exists: on the one hand, Nollywood is rich with horror, sci-fi, supernatural genres, while neglecting the more grounded, everyday dramas of the common man. I hope that films like mine will bolster the creation of space for deeper, more nuanced narratives to take root, allowing African stories to continue expanding their reach.
Did you encounter any particularly surreal moments during your time in Cannes?
Oh, absolutely! The red carpets were, without a doubt, a bit surreal. As for a truly jaw-dropping experience, I have to say meeting fan-favorite YouTube critic Thomas Flight was unquestionably the highlight. Given my deep affection for his video essays and reviews, crossing paths with him was quite possibly more exciting than rubbing elbows with celebrities.
As for post-premiere festivities, did you celebrate lavishly? Any ragers or parties you'd like to tell us about?
Indeed, we had our fair share of revelry! Element, the production company behind My Father's Shadow and the critically-acclaimed debut Pillion, graciously co-hosted the celebrations. I, having a background in throwing parties and music, brought along some incredible DJs to get the crowd moving. By all accounts, the event was a smash hit!
For those not in the know, could you give us a brief rundown of My Father's Shadow?
Certainly! My Father's Shadow weaves intricate themes of fatherhood, nationhood, and brotherhood. The story revolves around two brothers spending the day with their long-absent father as he takes them around Lagos to showcase the challenges that come with providing for the family. As tensions rise during a pivotal political event, they must grapple with their father's past, their own futures, and the weight of their collective past.
Why was it essential to base the film against the backdrop of such a momentous political event in Nigerian history?
Indeed, the historical context and setting became crucial to the narrative's depth. I wanted to capture the essence of 1993 Lagos on celluloid, as it holds immense cultural significance. As I toiled over the film's inception alongside my brother Wale, we found a way to seamlessly intertwine our unique perspectives and memories of our childhood and our father to create a narrative that was reflective of our experiences and resonated with universal audiences.
The political landscape of '93 Lagos is fertile ground for exploring themes of political unrest, generational trauma, and the fragility of national identity. These themes continue to resonate with contemporary Nigerian history, providing thought-provoking commentary on Nigeria's ongoing evolution.
You co-wrote the film with your brother Wale, and I understand that each of you had different recollections of your childhood and your father. How did contrasting perspectives ultimately shape or enhance the film?
The collaboration with my brother Wale was pivotal. Our respective perspectives and memories of our father and childhood formulated the foundation of our screenplay. Working closely with someone so familiar yet having opposite recollections and interpretations allowed us to foster an environment of genuine introspection and growth. The result was a narrative rooted in honesty, a quality I believe is crucial for impactful storytelling.
Furthermore, our brotherly bond herself allowed us to explore themes of masculinity, patriarchy, sacrifice, and the evolving role of men in Nigerian society. I truly believe that our unique points of view and shared experiences collectively create a rich and captivating story.
In '90s Nigeria, much like the rest of the world, there was a societal dominance of men. Do you think much has changed over the years, in terms of women's roles in society?
While on the surface, yes, there is still an underlying patriarchal presence, it's essential to acknowledge that Nigerian women carry the weight of their society's brilliance. As I grew up in Nigeria, I was surrounded by strong, successful, and independent female role models – my mother, her friends, and countless market stall owners. Behind the curtain of '90s Nigeria, women were the silent builders, often overlooking the dangers of patriarchy and continuing to rise to the occasion.
Historically, the patriarchy has stifled women's roles and granted power to men. Moving forward, storytelling through film, art, media, and other platforms become essential to expose these archaic views andaler the space for a more inclusive, balanced social climate.
Filming the movie on location in 16mm film undoubtedly added to the film's authenticity. Can you explain the process and importance of opting for film over digital?
Embracing the magic of celluloid during the production of a period film was much more meaningful than I initially anticipated. Shooting on film truly elevated the narrative's depth, texture, and emotional resonance. There is a uniqueness to film that simply cannot be replicated by digital, and I felt it was crucial to truly capture the essence of '90s Lagos on such a beautiful and timeless medium.
The collaborative process between cinematographer Ladi Ladebo, my editor Omidy Guzman, and myself was essential in achieving the raw yet unforgettable energy on screen. The slow, deliberate process taught us valuable lessons about respecting the artform, embracing imperfections, and trusting our instincts. My Father's Shadow would not be the same without the unparalleled beauty of film.
How do you hope My Father's Shadow will pave the way for future generations of Nigerian filmmakers and storytellers?
It's difficult to predict the future, but I do hope My Father's Shadow inspires the next generation of African filmmakers to seize the possibilities of filmmaking, irrespective of the hurdles and obstacles that may lay ahead. By showcasing the power of Nigerian cinema and the diverse talent that exists on our continent, we make it possible for other voices to be heard and stories to be told.
Furthermore, I hope that My Father's Shadow will establish a legacy of critical, heartfelt filmmaking that highlights the challenges and triumphs of everyday Nigerians, drawing attention to the untold stories hidden within my beloved homeland.
My Father's Shadow received the Special Mention for the Caméra d'Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Mubi has secured distribution rights for North America, the UK, Ireland, and Turkey.
These enrichment remarks have been interwoven into the body of the text to provide additional context and insights without overwhelming the overall narrative. Key topics mentioned, but not fully explored, include the cultural significance of My Father's Shadow winning the Special Mention for the Caméra d'Or, the historical context of the election in 1993, and the ways in which women carry the weight of their society's brilliance in Nigeria. Additional insights include a deeper look at the film's beautiful cinematography and the impact of shooting on 16mm film.
- The honors and accolades received for My Father's Shadow have filled Akinola Davies Jr. with a strong resolve to continue pushing the boundaries of storytelling, hoping to inspire future generations of African filmmakers.
- Akinola Davies Jr. spoke about the complexity of Nigeria's film industry, as its focus often caters to the domestic market, including the African continent, the diaspora, and European audiences. However, he emphasized the growing market for more nuanced versions of African stories to circulate around the world.
- During the time in Cannes, Davies Jr. gained inspiration from meeting critic Thomas Flight, expressing his deep affection for Flight's video essays and reviews.
- The narrative of My Father's Shadow is deeply rooted in universal themes such as fatherhood, nationhood, and brotherhood, with a historical context set against the backdrop of a momentous political event in Nigerian history, offering thought-provoking commentary on Nigeria's ongoing evolution.
