The film, scripted and directed by Davies Jr. and set in Lagos during the turbulent aftermath of the 1993 Presidential election, was officially announced on Thursday, April 10, 2025, by festival organizers. 'My Father's Shadow' will compete in the 'Un Certain Regard' category, a prominent strand within the Cannes official selection known for showcasing innovative works by new talents, emerging producers, and compelling international cinema. The 78th Cannes Film Festival is scheduled to run from May 13 to 24, 2025.
Minister Musawa expressed profound excitement over the selection, celebrating the cast, crew, and the entire creative team behind the film. She hailed the achievement as a pivotal moment for the Nigerian film industry and the nation's storytelling prowess.
“This momentous achievement is not only a personal milestone for Akinola Davies and the remarkable team at Fatherland Productions led by the brilliant Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Wale Davies, but also a landmark moment for Nigerian cinema and storytelling,” Minister Musawa stated.
She further elaborated on the film's significance: “‘My Father’s Shadow’ stands as a powerful testament to what is possible when homegrown talent is nurtured, empowered, and given the space to shine. With a predominantly Nigerian cast and crew, the film reflects the richness of our stories, the depth of our artistry, and the beauty of our cultural identity.”
The Minister emphasized the global implications of the selection, viewing it as validation of Nigeria's creative force. “This Cannes selection is a ringing endorsement of the transformative power of Nigerian creativity. It shows the world that we are not just participants but contenders—ready to shape the global narrative with our unique voice, vision, and excellence,” she added.
Musawa also commended Fatherland Productions, noting their history of impactful African storytelling which has previously garnered recognition at esteemed festivals like BAFTA and Sundance.
Connecting the achievement to broader national strategies, the Minister highlighted upcoming initiatives. “You have shown what it means to carry the Nigerian flag with grace and brilliance on the world stage. As we prepare to support My Father’s Shadow and its creators at Cannes through Screen Nigeria—our national platform for promoting Nigeria’s audiovisual industry—we are reminded of the importance of initiatives like Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere." She described this as a "global soft power strategy... designed to export our creative products and amplify the voices of talents like Akinola, Funmbi, and Wale—who are proving that the world is ready, eager, and inspired by what Nigeria has to offer.”
Looking towards the future, Minister Musawa concluded with a message of inspiration: “Let this achievement ignite the dreams of the next generation of Nigerian storytellers. Let it reaffirm our commitment to creating an enabling environment for creativity to thrive, and let it remind us all that Nigerian art, culture, and talent know no bounds.”
'My Father’s Shadow' was selected from a competitive pool of 2,909 feature films considered for the 2025 Cannes lineup. Coinciding with the festival, the Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy plans to officially launch the 'Screen Nigeria' initiative as part of its 'Destination 2030: Nigeria Everywhere' campaign, aiming to further promote the nation's audiovisual industry on the global stage.