A New Era for Nigerian Cinema at Cannes
Nigeria is making history as its film industry steps into the global spotlight. For the first time in the Cannes Film Festival’s nearly 80-year history, a film from Africa’s most populous nation has been selected for the Official Selection. This milestone marks a significant shift in the representation of African cinema on one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
The film, titled My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-written with his brother Wale Davies, stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, known for his roles in Slow Horses and Gangs of London. Set in Lagos following the 1993 presidential election, the story follows Dìrísù’s character, a father, and his two sons as they navigate the city’s turmoil. The film is semi-autobiographical, drawing from the personal experiences of the Davies brothers.
A Historic Achievement
Fatherland Productions, the company behind the film, has confirmed that My Father’s Shadow will be the first Nigerian film to be part of the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection. This achievement is particularly significant given Nigeria’s status as the largest film industry in Africa, yet one that has historically struggled for international recognition.
Akinola Davies Jr. expressed his pride in the film’s selection, stating, “This is a testament to everyone dedicated to telling authentic Nigerian stories.” He emphasized the importance of showcasing the talent and dedication of the Nigerian film community, which has long worked to establish itself on the global stage.
A Growing Presence in International Cinema
While Nigeria has had limited representation at Cannes, other African films have found success in the festival’s various sections. In the 2025 lineup, several African films are featured, including Aisha Can’t Fly Away by Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa and Promised Sky by French-Tunisian director Erige Sehiri. Additionally, Swedish director Tarik Saleh, who has Egyptian heritage, is competing for the Palme d’Or with Eagles of the Republic.
Nigerian cinema is also gaining momentum through international collaborations and festivals. The 2023 Sundance Film Festival marked a turning point when Mami Wata became the first Nigerian film to premiere there. These developments signal a broader diversification of Nigerian storytelling and production.
Nigeria’s Big Moves at Cannes
Beyond the film itself, Nigeria is making a strong presence at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The country has returned to the festival’s international village with its own national pavilion. There, the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy will launch Screen Nigeria as part of the “Destination 2030; Nigeria Everywhere” campaign.
This initiative aims to create 2 million jobs in the creative and tourism industries and contribute $100 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030. By showcasing the nation’s talent and promoting international collaboration, Nigeria hopes to attract foreign investment and further elevate its global profile.
A Legacy of African Filmmakers
Cannes has long been a platform for African filmmakers, with notable names such as Djibril Diop Mambéty of Senegal, Souleymane Cissé of Mali, and Mahamat-Saleh Haroun of Chad. More recently, a new generation of filmmakers has emerged, including Welsh-Zambian Rungano Nyoni, French-Senegalese Mati Diop, and Tunisian Kaouther Ben Hania.
These filmmakers have helped to bring greater visibility to African cinema, highlighting diverse stories and perspectives. Despite this progress, Nigeria has remained largely absent from the festival’s Official Selection, a gap that My Father’s Shadow now fills.
The Road Ahead
As the 78th Cannes Film Festival approaches, the anticipation surrounding My Father’s Shadow continues to grow. While the premiere and theatrical release dates have not yet been announced, the film’s inclusion in the Un Certain Regard strand ensures it will be seen by a global audience.
Thierry Frémaux, the general delegate of the festival, has acknowledged the significance of the film and is working to confirm whether it indeed marks a historic first for Nigerian cinema.
Conclusion
The inclusion of My Father’s Shadow at Cannes represents more than just a milestone for Nigerian cinema—it is a symbol of the growing influence and recognition of African storytelling on the global stage. As Nigeria continues to invest in its creative industries and expand its international partnerships, the future of its film industry looks brighter than ever. With films like My Father’s Shadow making waves, the world is beginning to take notice of the rich narratives and talents emerging from Nigeria.
