Nigeria is going to Cannes. In what is understood to be a first in the film festival’s near-80 year history, a movie from Africa’s most populous nation has been chosen as part of the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection. “My Father’s Shadow,” directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-written with his brother, writer Wale Davies, stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù (“Slow Horses,” “Gangs of London”). The film is set in Lagos in the aftermath of the 1993 presidential election and follows Dìrísù’s father and two sons Remi and Akin, as they attempt an odyssey across the city amid the election’s turbulent fallout. Davies Jr.’s semi-autobiographical debut feature, produced by Element Pictures in association with Fatherland Productions and Crybaby, already has strong support in the form of distributor MUBI, which snatched up the rights to the film in North America and other territories long before the news of its Cannes debut was announced – lending additional hype to an already buzzy title. The movie will screen in the Un Certain Regard strand – a competition for debut and ascendant filmmakers. Fatherland says it will be the first Nigerian film to do so. Reacting to the announcement, Davies Jr.’ told CNN in a statement, “This is a testament to everyone dedicated to telling authentic Nigerian stories: from crews, to the countless technicians who power our film industry. “It honors all those – past, present, and future – who laid the foundation for Nigerian cinema. I’m excited to be an ambassador for arthouse film in Nigeria, and even more excited for our cast and crew, whose talent and hard work truly deserve this spotlight.” “My Father’s Shadow” is produced by Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures and Funmbi Ogunbanwo for Fatherland Productions. Fatherland’s CEO Ogunbanwo told CNN, “It’s an incredible feeling to see our fully Nigerian story – rooted in Wale and Akin’s experience of losing their father at a young age – come to life on a world stage. “We wove in Yoruba, Pidgin, familiar street names from Lagos and Ibadan, capturing the essence of our home. I feel both excitement and a weight of responsibility, representing independent Nigerian filmmakers who create against the odds. We hope people who watch this film will discover who we are as a people, understand where we come from, and see that this is only the start of how far our stories can go.” Africa at Cannes 2025 The Cannes Film Festival announced it had screened 2,909 feature films to curate its 2025 lineup. Of those selected, “My Father’s Shadow” won’t be the sole representative from Africa this year. Also in Un Certain Regard is “Aisha Can’t Fly Away” by Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa, about a Somali woman working in Cairo, and “Promised Sky” by French Tunisian Erige Sehiri. Meanwhile, Swedish director Tarik Saleh, who has Egyptian heritage, is in competition for the Palme d’Or with “Eagles of the Republic” telling the story of an adored Egyptian actor who falls into disgrace. The US-set “The History of Sound,” starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor, is directed by South African Oliver Hermanus. African cinema, particularly from Francophone nations, has a long history at Cannes, the world’s most prestigious film festival. Directing giants including the late Djibril Diop Mambéty of Senegal, the late Souleymane Cissé of Mali and Chadian Mahamat-Saleh Haroun all made the festival a home from home. Recently, a new guard of young filmmakers has emerged – notably, with more women – including Welsh Zambian Rungano Nyoni, French Senegalese Mati Diop (niece of Djibril), Senegalese director Ramata-Toulaye Sy and Tunisian Kaouther Ben Hania. But despite having the continent’s largest and most prolific filmmaking industry, Nigeria has had little representation at the festival. Nigerian productions have appeared in festival sidebars like the International Critics Week (where “Ezra” by Newton I. Aduaka screened in 2007). But a search of the festival’s online archives shows no evidence a Nigerian movie has ever been a part of Cannes’ Official Selection – comprising the competition for the Palme d’Or, Un Certain Regard, Cannes Premieres, Special Screenings, Midnight Screenings and Cannes Classics. Thierry Frémaux, general delegate of the festival, said at the press conference announcing the 2025 lineup on April 10 that the festival would be checking to confirm if indeed “My Father’s Shadow” marks a historic first Nigerian feature. Nigeria’s big moves Nigeria will have a big presence at Cannes this year. At the festival’s international village, Nigeria is back 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 – a broad plan to create 2 million jobs in creative and tourism industries, and contribute $100 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2030. The goal is to showcase the nation’s talent and promote international collaboration and attract foreign investment. With the likes of “My Father’s Shadow” and other recent festival titles like “Mami Wata,” the first Nigerian film to premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in 2023, there are signs that Nigeria’s film industry is diversifying. The 78th Cannes Film Festival runs from May 13-24. The premiere date for “My Father’s Shadow,” and its theatrical release date, are yet to be announced.
Nigerian cinema in the spotlight as ‘My Father’s Shadow’ to premiere in Cannes Film Festival first
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Nigerian Film 'My Father’s Shadow' Selected for Cannes Film Festival Official Selection"
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TruthLens AI Summary
In a historic milestone for Nigerian cinema, the film "My Father’s Shadow" has been selected for the Cannes Film Festival's Official Selection, marking the first time a film from Nigeria has achieved this distinction in the festival's nearly 80-year history. Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-written with his brother Wale Davies, the film features actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù in the lead role. Set against the backdrop of Lagos in the aftermath of the contentious 1993 presidential election, the narrative follows the journey of Dìrísù’s father and his two sons, Remi and Akin, as they navigate the turbulent social landscape of the city. The film has garnered significant interest, with MUBI acquiring distribution rights in North America and other regions prior to the announcement of its Cannes debut. It will be showcased in the Un Certain Regard section, which highlights debut and emerging filmmakers, a notable achievement for Nigerian cinema as emphasized by the production team at Fatherland Productions.
Director Akinola Davies Jr. expressed his excitement about this recognition, noting it serves as a testament to the dedication of those involved in telling authentic Nigerian stories. He acknowledged the contributions of past and present filmmakers who have laid the groundwork for Nigerian cinema. Funmbi Ogunbanwo, CEO of Fatherland Productions, highlighted the importance of representing Nigerian narratives on a global stage and the film's roots in their personal experiences. As Nigeria aims to strengthen its presence in the global film industry, the country will also showcase its national pavilion at Cannes, promoting initiatives like Screen Nigeria as part of a broader campaign to enhance its creative economy. The festival itself will feature other African films, indicating a growing representation of the continent’s cinematic talent, particularly from the Francophone regions. With the 78th Cannes Film Festival scheduled for May 13-24, the anticipation surrounding "My Father’s Shadow" reflects a significant moment for Nigeria's filmmaking landscape and its potential for future growth.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent announcement regarding "My Father’s Shadow" premiering at the Cannes Film Festival marks a significant milestone for Nigerian cinema. This film, directed by Akinola Davies Jr., represents not only a personal narrative but also a broader cultural moment for Nigeria on the international stage. The choice of this film for Cannes reflects a growing recognition of African storytelling in a global context.
Cultural Impact and Perception
This news aims to enhance the perception of Nigerian cinema, showcasing its potential and richness. By highlighting the film’s semi-autobiographical elements and its roots in personal tragedy, the narrative seeks to resonate with audiences who value authentic storytelling. The film's selection for a prestigious festival like Cannes helps to elevate Nigerian filmmakers and stories, potentially inspiring future projects and drawing attention to the local film industry.
Public Sentiment and Hidden Agendas
While the celebration of Nigerian cinema is front and center, it is essential to consider whether there are underlying narratives being promoted. The focus on the film's success might overshadow ongoing challenges within the Nigerian film industry, such as funding, infrastructure, and local audience engagement. By celebrating this achievement, there could be an implicit aim to divert attention from these systemic issues, fostering a narrative of progress and success.
Trustworthiness of the Report
The article appears credible, as it is backed by statements from the film’s director and producer, providing authenticity to the claims made. However, it is essential to remain cautious about how such achievements are framed. The language used suggests a celebratory tone, which, while positive, may gloss over challenges faced by the industry.
Connections to Broader Narratives
In the context of global cinema and cultural representation, this news ties into larger discussions about diversity and representation in media. The selection of an African film at Cannes could indicate a shift in the festival's approach to inclusivity, aligning with broader trends in the film industry that seek to highlight underrepresented voices.
Potential Societal and Economic Effects
The premiere of "My Father’s Shadow" could have significant implications for the Nigerian economy, particularly in terms of tourism and investment in the film sector. It may attract international interest, encouraging collaborations and funding opportunities. Furthermore, the positive reception of the film could foster national pride and cultural identity, influencing societal perceptions about the value of local narratives.
Target Audience and Community Support
The film is likely to resonate strongly with communities interested in African narratives and cultural representation. It may attract support from both local and diaspora audiences who seek to see their experiences reflected on a global platform. This film, therefore, serves not only as entertainment but also as a medium for cultural dialogue.
Market Influence and Economic Indicators
The announcement could impact the stock market, particularly for companies involved in film distribution and production. Businesses like MUBI that have invested in the film may see an uptick in interest and stock value as the film garners more attention. The broader implications for the entertainment sector could also influence investor sentiment regarding African cinema.
Global Power Dynamics
While this news may not directly affect global power dynamics, it does contribute to the ongoing conversation about cultural hegemony and representation in the arts. The success of African films at international festivals challenges traditional narratives dominated by Western cinema, suggesting a shift towards a more inclusive cultural landscape.
AI Utilization in Reporting
It is possible that AI tools were employed in the writing or editing of this article, particularly to enhance clarity and structure. However, the emotional resonance and specific cultural references suggest human insight was crucial in crafting the narrative. The use of AI could influence the presentation of the story, ensuring it aligns with the celebratory tone that is prevalent in reporting on successful cultural moments.
In conclusion, the announcement of "My Father’s Shadow" at Cannes is a pivotal moment for Nigerian cinema, showcasing its potential on an international stage while also raising questions about the challenges and narratives that accompany such recognition. The report emphasizes celebration, yet it may obscure ongoing systemic issues within the industry.