My Father's Shadow

“Deft and intriguing… a strong directorial debut” ★★★★ The Guardian
“Visionary” ★★★★ Financial Times

This debut from British-Nigerian director Akinola Davies Jr is a confirmation of his many talents. Premiering at Cannes, it has high style and three superb central performances, including from rising star Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù.

Fola (Dìrísù) returns to his family home and his two sons after months away working. When he takes the boys into Lagos with him to track down his long-delayed backpay, the boys are delighted to bask in their father’s world. But it’s 1993 and Nigeria is a tinderbox following a divisive election. A stylish panorama of an African metropolis, as well as a deeply poignant story of family ties, this film marks Davies Jr and Dìrísù as two major talents to watch.