Nigerian Movie ‘My Father’s Shadow’ Makes History with First Cannes Festival Nomination in 78 Years

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa has congratulated Nigeria’s film director Akinola Davies Jr. for scripting and directing Nigeria’s first movie ever to make it to the prestigious Cannes Film Festival in nearly 80years.

‘My Father’s Shadow’, set in Lagos in the aftermath of the 1993 Presidential election was officially announced on Thursday by organizers to compete at the prestigious Cannes Film festival billed for May 13- 24, 2025.

The movie will screen at the ‘Un Certain Regard’ strand, a prominent section within the Cannes Film Festival’s official selection that showcases films by new talents, ascendant producers and international cinema.

Minister Musawa expressed her excitement for the selection, congratulating the cast, crew, and creative team behind ‘My Father’s Shadow’. She stated that the achievement is a landmark moment for Nigerian cinema and storytelling, showcasing the richness of Nigerian stories, the depth of artistic talent, and the beauty of cultural identity.

“This momentous achievement is not only a personal milestone for Akinola Davies and the remarkable team at Fatherland Productions led by the brilliant Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Wale
Davies, but also a landmark moment for Nigerian cinema and storytelling.

“My Father’s Shadow stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when homegrown talent is nurtured, empowered, and given the space to shine. With a predominantly Nigerian cast and crew, the film reflects the richness of our stories, the depth of our artistry, and the beauty of our
cultural identity.

“This Cannes selection is a ringing endorsement of the transformative power of Nigerian creativity. It shows the world that we are not just participants but contenders—ready to shape the global narrative with our unique voice, vision, and excellence”.

The Minister also commended Fatherland Productions for their African storytelling which has earned them a recognition by BAFTA and Sundance Film Festivals.

“You have shown what it means to carry the Nigerian flag with grace and brilliance on the world stage. As we prepare to support My Father’s Shadow and its creators at Cannes through Screen Nigeria-our national platform for promoting Nigeria’s audiovisual industry—we are reminded of the importance of initiatives like Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere. This global soft
power strategy is designed to export our creative products and amplify the voices of talents like Akinola, Funmbi, and Wale—who are proving that the world is ready, eager, and inspired by
what Nigeria has to offer.

“Let this achievement ignite the dreams of the next generation of Nigerian storytellers. Let it
reaffirm our commitment to creating an enabling environment for creativity to thrive, and let it remind us all that Nigerian art, culture, and talent know no bounds”, Musawa stared.

The film, ‘My Father’s Shadow’ is among the 2,909 feature films screened to curate its 2025 lineup. The Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is also expected to launch ‘Screen Nigeria’ as part of Destination 2030: Everywhere campaign at the 78th Cannes Film Festival. This initiative aims to promote Nigeria’s audiovisual industry and showcase the country’s creative talent to a global audience.

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