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' to Premiere at Cannes Film Festival"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Nigeria is set to make a historic debut at the Cannes Film Festival with the premiere of 'My Father’s Shadow,' directed by Akinola Davies Jr. This marks a significant milestone as it is believed to be the first time a film from Nigeria has been included in the festival's Official Selection during its nearly 80-year history. The film, co-written by Davies Jr. and his brother Wale Davies, features actor Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and is set against the backdrop of Lagos following the tumultuous 1993 presidential election. It follows the journey of a father and his two sons, Remi and Akin, as they navigate the chaotic aftermath of the election. The film has already garnered attention, with distributor MUBI acquiring the North American rights prior to its Cannes announcement, further fueling anticipation. 'My Father’s Shadow' will be showcased in the Un Certain Regard category, which highlights new and emerging filmmakers. This inclusion is seen as a testament to the dedication of those committed to telling authentic Nigerian stories, as expressed by Davies Jr., who emphasized the importance of representing the hard work of the film industry’s technicians and crews.
The Cannes Film Festival has long been a platform for African cinema, particularly from Francophone countries, yet Nigeria, despite being home to the continent's largest film industry, has seen limited representation at the festival. Previous Nigerian films have only appeared in side events, but 'My Father’s Shadow' represents a shift towards greater visibility. Alongside this film, the festival will also feature works from other African filmmakers, including Egyptian and Tunisian directors. The Nigerian presence at Cannes is further bolstered by the country’s national pavilion, where the Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy will launch initiatives aimed at promoting Nigeria's creative industry and attracting foreign investment. With the festival taking place from May 13 to 24, the premiere date and theatrical release for 'My Father’s Shadow' are yet to be announced, but it is clear that this film is poised to pave the way for future Nigerian productions on the global stage.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights a significant milestone for Nigerian cinema as the film "My Father’s Shadow" is set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a historic first for Nigeria in this prestigious event. This achievement not only showcases the growing recognition of African stories in global cinema but also emphasizes the contributions of Nigerian filmmakers and the cinematic landscape.
Purpose of the Publication
The announcement serves to elevate the profile of Nigerian cinema on an international stage, promoting cultural pride and encouraging local filmmakers. By highlighting the film's debut at Cannes, the article aims to inspire confidence in the Nigerian film industry and generate enthusiasm among audiences and investors alike.
Public Sentiment and Perception
This news is likely intended to foster a sense of national pride and unity among Nigerians, showcasing their storytelling capabilities. It positions Nigerian cinema as a burgeoning industry that can compete globally, which may resonate particularly well with younger audiences and filmmakers eager for representation.
Potential Omissions or Concerns
While the article celebrates this achievement, it may downplay ongoing challenges within the Nigerian film industry, such as funding issues, distribution hurdles, and the impact of piracy. By focusing solely on the success of "My Father's Shadow," it could obscure the broader context of the industry’s struggles.
Manipulative Elements
The article appears to be largely factual, but it could be seen as somewhat manipulative by emphasizing only the positive aspects of this milestone. The language used is celebratory and may overlook the complexities and difficulties faced by the industry, which could lead to an overly simplistic narrative.
Assessment of Authenticity
The information presented seems credible, as it is backed by statements from key figures involved in the film. The involvement of established entities like MUBI and Element Pictures lends additional weight to the article's claims about the film's significance.
Narrative and Connections to Other News
This narrative aligns with a broader trend of recognizing and promoting African cinema, which has been gaining traction in recent years. Articles focusing on similar themes of cultural representation and empowerment in various regions could create a connected discourse around globalization and diversity in the arts.
Impact on Society and Economy
The premiere of "My Father’s Shadow" at Cannes could encourage investment in the Nigerian film industry, potentially boosting the economy. It may also inspire future filmmakers, contributing to the growth of a vibrant cultural sector. Politically, such recognition can enhance Nigeria's image internationally, potentially influencing soft power dynamics.
Target Audience
The article seems to resonate particularly with individuals interested in film, culture, and national identity. It may appeal to filmmakers, students in the arts, and the general public who take pride in their cultural narratives.
Market Implications
While the immediate stock market impact may be limited, increased interest in Nigerian cinema could lead to investments in related sectors, such as streaming services or production companies. Companies involved in cinema and arts might see a boost in stock values due to heightened interest in African films.
Broader Geopolitical Context
The article connects to ongoing discussions about representation and diversity in the arts, particularly as global audiences increasingly seek authentic narratives from different cultures. This aligns with current trends favoring inclusivity in various sectors.
Use of AI in Writing
While it is uncertain whether AI was used in the creation of this article, the structured presentation and clarity might suggest some influence. AI models could assist in drafting or refining language to create a more engaging narrative, but any direct involvement would require further investigation.
Conclusion on Reliability
Overall, the article seems reliable, presenting a significant achievement for Nigerian cinema while promoting a narrative of cultural pride. However, it is essential to consider the broader context and challenges that accompany such successes, which are not addressed in this piece.