British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. is fast becoming one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary African cinema.
His debut feature film, My Father’s Shadow, continues to gather momentum on the international stage—earning him a Breakthrough Director nomination at the 2025 Gotham Film Awards, following its Grand Jury Prize win at the NBO Film Festival in Nairobi.
Set against the backdrop of Lagos in 1993, My Father’s Shadow unfolds through the experiences of two young boys who reunite with their estranged father during a politically volatile period in Nigeria’s history. Co-written with his brother, Wale Davies, the film weaves together themes of family, identity, and national memory, blending intimate storytelling with the wider socio-political pulse of a nation in transition.
Described by critics as “lyrical and emotionally charged” (The Hollywood Reporter), the film’s visual and narrative depth reflects Akinola’s signature style—one rooted in authenticity and cultural reflection. His ability to merge personal stories with collective history has drawn comparisons to African auteurs like Abderrahmane Sissako and Mahamat-Saleh Haroun.
The Gotham Awards, set for December 1, 2025, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York, are renowned for recognizing breakthrough voices in independent cinema. Akinola’s nomination places him among an elite class of filmmakers pushing boundaries in storytelling and cultural representation.
This recognition builds upon his earlier success with the short film Lizard, which won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival—a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his rise on the global scene.
For Akinola Davies Jr., My Father’s Shadow isn’t just a film; it’s a reclamation of narrative power. As Nigerian and diasporic filmmakers continue to redefine world cinema, Davies’ work stands as a testament to the emotional gravity and creative brilliance emerging from Africa’s new generation of storytellers.
With Gotham’s spotlight now on him, one thing is certain—Akinola Davies Jr. is no longer just a rising filmmaker; he’s a global force reshaping how African stories are told and celebrated.
