My Father’s Shadow is the poignant and visually striking feature film debut by Akinola Davies Jr., set against the turbulent backdrop of Nigeria’s 1993 presidential election. The film follows two young brothers who, during an unexpected reunion with their estranged father, embark on a journey from the countryside to Lagos. What begins as a hopeful day of reconnection gradually unfolds into a deeply emotional portrait of fatherhood, memory, and fragility.

As they navigate the vibrant yet politically charged city, the boys experience moments of joy and discovery alongside the quiet tensions surrounding their father’s life – his struggles, secrets, and failing health. Against the looming presence of military unrest and a nation on the brink of upheaval, their fleeting time together becomes both tender and haunting. Through intimate storytelling and rich atmosphere, the film captures a family’s attempt to reconnect in the shadow of personal and political uncertainty, ultimately reflecting on loss, legacy, and the complexities of love.

Premiering at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in the prestigious Un Certain Regard section, marking a historic first for a Nigerian film in the Official Selection, My Father’s Shadow quickly garnered international attention. The film received a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or and was widely praised for its lyrical storytelling and emotional depth. It went on to achieve significant recognition across the global festival circuit, earning a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut, a British Independent Film Award, and two Gotham Independent Film Awards.

Selected as the United Kingdom’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards, the film has been celebrated as a landmark achievement in contemporary African cinema and a powerful new voice in global filmmaking.

About Africadelic

Africadelic is a platform that is committed to the programming and promotion of African and African diasporic cultural creativity, diversity and activism in the Netherlands. The annual Africadelic Festival is an ode to the African continent and its worldwide diaspora, and offers a showcase of the cultural wealth and profound influence Afrodescendants have on global culture and society. Taking place from May 20-27, 2026, this year's festival offers another week filled with events, including this special screening. For more information, visit africadelic.com.

Jiushi liuliu de ta

Hsiao-Hsien Hou / TW, 1980

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