Nigerian cinema: My Father S Shadow celebrates its premiere in Cannes

Nigerian cinema: My Father S Shadow celebrates its premiere in Cannes

nigeria will be represented at the Cannes Film Festival this year. In a historical decision, "My Father’s Shadow", a film from the most populous country of Africa was selected as part of the official selection of the festival. This is a remarkable step in the almost 80-year history of the festival.

Detailed information about "My Father’s Shadow"

"My Father’s Shadow", directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and together with his brother Wale Davies, tells the story of ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, known from "Slow Horses" and "Gangs of London". The film takes place in Lagos after the turbulent presidential elections of 1993 and follows Dìrísù's father and the two sons Remi and Akin, who go through the city on an odyssey.

an impressive debut

Davies Jr.'s semi-autobiographical debut, produced by element Pictures in collaboration with Fatherland Productions and Crybaby, has already received support from the distributor Mubi, who acquired the rights to the film in North America and other regions long before the announcement of his Cannes premiere. This gave the film additional interest.

An important contribution to the film world

The film is listed in the “Un Certain Regard” competition, which is geared towards debutants and emerging filmmakers. Fatherland Productions explains that it is the first Nigerian film that is shown in this category.

reactions to the announcement

to the announcement, Davies reacted Jr. and explained: "This is proof of everyone who is devoting themselves to the authentic narrative of Nigerian stories - from the crews to the numerous technicians who drive our film industry. In the past, in the present and for the future - I am happy. I am happy. To be able to appear as an ambassador for the Arthouse film in Nigeria and am even more exciting for our talented team that really deserves this attention. ”

other African films in Cannes

The Cannes Film Festival has sighted a total of 2,909 feature films this year to create the line-up for 2025. "My Father’s Shadow" will not be the only representative of Africa. "Aisha Can’t Fly Away" by the Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa about a Somali woman in Cairo and "Promised Sky" by the French-Tunisian director Erige Sehiri are represented in the "Un Certain Regard" section.

African cinema in the history of the festival

African cinema, especially from Francophone countries, has a long tradition in Cannes. Large directors such as the late Djibril Diop Mambéty from Senegal and Souleyman Cissé from Mali made remarkable contributions during their career. A new generation of filmmakers has occurred in recent years, which also increasingly includes women.

nigeria meaning in the film business

Although Nigeria has the largest and most productive film industry in the continent, the representation in Cannes was so far limited. However, Nigeria will be present with its own national pavilion this year, where the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Industry will present the "Screen Nigeria" initiative as part of the "Destination 2030; Nigeria Everywhere". The aim of this initiative is to create 2 million jobs in the creative and tourist sectors and to make a contribution of $ 100 billion to the Nigerian gross domestic product by 2030.

prospects for the future

With films such as "My Father’s Shadow" and other titles that were recently shown at festivals, there are signs that the Nigerian film industry diversified. The 78th Cannes Film Festival will take place from May 13th to 24th, and the premiere date of "My Father’s Shadow" and the appointment for the cinema version will be announced.