Akinola Davies Jr.’s critically acclaimed debut film, My Father’s Shadow (2025), is now premiering on Netflix in Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa.
Set in Nigeria in 1993, the semi-autobiographical movie was written by brothers Akinola and Wale Davies, reminiscing about their earliest memories with their late father.
My Father’s Shadow made history as the first Nigerian film to be selected to screen at the Cannes Film Festival. It has since won numerous awards and surpassed $1 million at the global box office. Building on this momentum, the producers finalized a deal with Netflix for an African rollout.
Related post: “My Father’s Shadow” Film Review: A Raw Portrait of Family, Masculinity and Nigeria
About My Father’s Shadow
My Father’s Shadow is an intimate historical drama that explores the relationship between an estranged father and his sons. Set in Nigeria on the eve of the 1993 annulled presidential election, the story unfolds in a single day from the perspective of the two young brothers. They tag along with their father on a day trip to Lagos, where he goes to try to collect his overdue salary. As the story progresses, the political situation becomes increasingly intense, and the whole city erupts in chaos. Themes of masculinity, family, and sacrifice are explored.
The movie was filmed entirely in Lagos and takes the viewers through some landmarks like the National Theatre, Third Mainland Bridge, and Tarkwa Bay Beach. Shot in 16mm film with a handheld camera, the footage has a nostalgic, home-movie quality reminiscent of the 1990s. Actors and real-life brothers, Godwin Chiemerie Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, were cast alongside Sope Dirisu, who plays their father.
BBC Film and the British Film Institute co-financed the production. Meanwhile, Mubi acquired distribution rights for North America, the U.K., Ireland and Turkey in early 2025.
Related post: Nigerian-British Film ‘My Father’s Shadow’ Wins BAFTA for Outstanding Debut
Film Reception and Accolades
My Father’s Shadow was first shown to the public in the Un Certain Regard category at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. There, it received a Special Mention for the prestigious Camera d’Or award for Best First Feature Film. The movie then went on to be screened at film festivals across the globe. Akinola Davies won a BAFTA for Outstanding Debut, Best Director at the British Independent Film Awards, and Breakthrough Director at the Gotham Awards.
During the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 2026, the film had a sweeping victory. It won Best Overall Movie, Best Director, Best Sound Design, Best Score/Music, and Best Writing. Additional honors include a Gold Hugo Special Mention in Chicago and recognition at Palm Springs. It was also selected as the U.K.’s entry for best international feature film at the 98th Academy Awards, but was not nominated. Audiences in Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana and South Africa can now watch the film through their Netflix subscription from the 21st of September.
Related post: How The Polygamist Became One of Netflix’s Biggest African TV Success Stories
The Expansion of African Film
Earlier this year, the South African drama The Polygamist broke into Netflix’s global charts. In the first month, the title was ranked number two on the global non-English chart. This proves how stories rooted on the continent can compete with the platform’s biggest international titles.
With My Father’s Shadow, the Davies brothers have brought Nigerian history and storytelling to global stages. Moving away from Nollywood melodrama, My Father’s Shadow is artistic, deliberate, and deeply moving, representing the future of African storytelling. Netflix’s acquisition signals the platform’s deepening investment in African stories and African audiences.
Main image: still from My Father’s Shadow, courtesy of Mubi.
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