Nollywood Makes History: ‘My Father’s Shadow’ Nominated for Cannes After 78 Years

***Minister Musawa Celebrates Director Akinola Davies Jr. and Creative Team

For the first time in nearly 80 years, a Nigerian film has earned a spot at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr., has been selected for the 2025 *Un Certain Regard* category, which highlights bold, boundary-pushing work from rising international filmmakers.
Set in Lagos in the turbulent aftermath of the 1993 presidential election, My Father’s Shadow tells a deeply Nigerian story through a cinematic lens that is now capturing international attention.
Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Barrister Hannatu Musa Musawa, led the nationwide celebration of this milestone, praising Davies and his team at Fatherland Productions for breaking new ground and elevating the nation’s creative reputation on the world stage.
Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Dr, Nneka Ikem Anibeze in a statement on Thursday quoted the minister to have indicated,
“This is more than a nomination — it is a defining moment for Nigerian storytelling,” Musawa said. “Akinola Davies, along with Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Wale Davies, have demonstrated what’s possible when our creative talent is empowered to tell our own stories.”
She described the film’s selection as a victory for homegrown excellence — a film made with a predominantly Nigerian cast and crew that speaks to the country’s rich cultural identity, artistic depth, and global potential.
“My Father’s Shadow is a powerful reminder that our voices belong on the global stage. The Cannes recognition is proof that the world is not just watching, it’s listening, and it’s moved by what it hears from Nigeria.”
This isn’t Fatherland Productions’ first international nod. The team has previously earned recognition from BAFTA and the Sundance Film Festival for their bold African storytelling. Now, Cannes — the crown jewel of global cinema — has placed them in the international spotlight.
To support this historic achievement, the Ministry will formally launch Screen Nigeria at Cannes 2025, as part of its broader Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere strategy — an ambitious initiative aimed at promoting Nigeria’s creative industry across the globe.
“You have carried the Nigerian flag with brilliance and grace,” Musawa added. “As we stand with you at Cannes, we also stand for every young Nigerian creative dreaming of their moment. This is proof that their time is coming — and that the world is ready for us.”
My Father’s Shadow was selected from 2,909 feature film submissions, placing Nigeria in the global cinematic conversation in a way not seen in decades.
As Cannes prepares to roll out its red carpet from May 13 to 24, Nigeria will arrive not just as a guest, but as a storyteller — bold, brilliant, and finally, unmistakably heard.