British-Nigerian filmaker, Akinola Davies Jr., has released the first trailer for his debut feature, My Father’s Shadow, a semi-autobiographical story set against the backdrop of the 1993 election unrest in Lagos.
The film, co-written with his brother Wale Davies, stars Sope Disiru as a father trying to reconnect with his two estranged sons, played by Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo, over the course of a single day.
It explores the challenges of fatherhood and family ties during a period of political tension in Nigeria.
Speaking to Deadline, Davies said the historical setting allowed the filmmakers to “create a huge amount of tension and tell the story of what actually happened in that period in Nigeria.
“It also helps people understand the history of Nigerians, as well as the diaspora, as well as other people in Africa, as well as other people in the world.”
He added that Nigerians are often celebrated abroad for music, fashion, and talent, but films like his provide a deeper understanding of the country. “It’s a really magical and complex place,” Davies said.
Davies, who was only 20 months old when his father passed away, revealed that working on the script was deeply emotional. “I’d never really conceived of the idea of spending a day with my father… for someone I am named after and never got to know,” he said.
My Father’s Shadow made history this year as the first Nigerian film to premiere in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section. The film later debuted in Nigerian cinemas in September and is set to premiere internationally via Mubi on February 6.
Diaspora Nigerians have expressed excitement over the film, noting that it provides a personal and historical perspective on a period that shaped modern Nigeria.
