Nigerian film My Father’s Shadow has etched its name into the history books — becoming the first-ever Nigerian story submitted by the United Kingdom for Oscar consideration in the Best International Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards.
Directed by Nigerian-British filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., the film marks a groundbreaking cultural moment — a bridge between two identities and two cinematic traditions.
Davies, in a statement revealing the submission, praised the development for underscoring how storytelling increasingly transcends national boundaries and shared human experiences.
“We are so proud to be telling this Nigerian story. To stand alongside others in the international feature category that curate local-to-global stories reminds us that diversity in storytelling thrives through the power of collaboration,” Davies said.
The plot of My Father’s Shadow
The film is set over a single day and follows two young boys travelling with their estranged father from a quiet rural village to Lagos—a journey that unfolds against the tense backdrop of Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis, one of the nation’s most politically charged moments.
Davies says the film’s landscape—both physical and emotional—is charged with unease, reflection, and hope, mirroring a country at a crossroads.
My Father’s Shadow had premiered earlier this year at the Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section and has since grabbed global attention.
A special BAFTA selection committee praised the film, which had dialogues in the Yoruba, Pidgin, and English languages, for its “bold, authentic voice in contemporary cinema.”
The film stars UK actor Sope Dirisu, who was born to Nigerian parents, alongside child actors and siblings Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Egbo.
Released in Nigeria by FilmOne on September 19, My Father’s Shadow continues to draw audiences in theatres, praised for its emotional depth and striking visual storytelling.
The Oscar international feature shortlist will be announced on Dec. 16 and the final five nominees will be announced on Jan. 22.
