A moving Nigerian-inspired drama, My Father’s Shadow, by British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., has been chosen as the United Kingdom’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.
The emotional feature — set against the political tension of Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis — tells the story of two brothers embarking on a life-changing journey with their estranged father from a remote village to Lagos. It’s a tale of reconciliation, generational trauma, and the search for belonging, themes that resonate deeply across cultures.
The selection marks the first time the UK has submitted a film rooted in Nigerian storytelling to the Academy, a landmark decision that underscores the global rise of African voices in cinema.
While Nigeria’s own Oscar Selection Committee announced it would not submit any film this year due to technical and creative concerns, the UK’s nomination of My Father’s Shadow has given Nigerian cinema a presence on the world’s biggest stage nonetheless.
“This film represents the fusion of identities that define contemporary Britain and Nigeria,” said Davies Jr. in a statement. “It’s a story about where we come from, what we inherit, and what we choose to carry forward.”
Featuring Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù (Gangs of London) as the father, alongside rising stars Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, My Father’s Shadow was co-written by Davies Jr. and Wale Davies, and co-produced by Element Pictures, BBC Film, BFI, Crybaby, and Fatherland Productions.
The film was shot across Lagos and Ibadan, blending atmospheric visuals with deeply personal storytelling.
Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the prestigious Un Certain Regard category, the film earned a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or — a first for a Nigerian-themed feature at Cannes.
Since then, it has been hailed by critics for its poetic storytelling, rich cinematography, and its nuanced portrayal of Nigerian identity through a diasporic lens.
Film analysts note that the UK’s decision to champion a Nigerian narrative at the Oscars could signal a new era of cross-cultural collaboration in global cinema, blurring the lines between national identity and shared heritage.
Whether or not My Father’s Shadow clinches an Oscar nomination, its inclusion in the race has already made history. For audiences across Africa and the diaspora, it’s a powerful reminder that Nigerian stories now stand firmly in the global spotlight.
“Our stories travel far — they belong to the world now,” Davies Jr. said.
