Two Boys and Their Dad Wander Through Lagos in ‘My Father’s Shadow’ (Exclusive First Look)

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Exclusively, The Hollywood Reporter provides an early peek at Akinola Davies Jr.’s highly anticipated directorial debut, which will make its premiere at Cannes.

I step into the shoes of Remi in “My Father’s Shadow,” a gripping tale penned by the talented Davies brothers, Wale and Davies Jr. Produced by Element Pictures, Crybaby, and Fatherland Productions, this moving story revolves around me and my younger brother Akin as we seize a precious day with our long-lost father, Folarin. The day unfolds under the watchful eye of Element Pictures, offering us an unforgettable journey.

They embark on a journey to Lagos, taking in the vast city for the first time and witnessing the hurdles their father encounters to sustain them. Meanwhile, the disputed outcome of the 1993 presidential election hangs over them, casting doubt on his capacity to safely return Remi and Akin.

As a gamer, I’m excitedly sharing this exclusive sneak peek I got from THR. Here I am, in the bustling streets of Lagos, hanging out with Folarin (Dìrísù), Godwin Egbo, and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo. Can’t wait to see more!

Speaking about “My Father’s Shadow,” Davies Jr. expressed that it has been more than just a dream for him to bring this deeply personal story, co-written by his brother Wale, to life in their home country. Collaborating with the exceptional talent of Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, who breathed such enchantment into his role and elevated the script to extraordinary heights, has been a truly remarkable journey for him.

He went on to say, “All this has been made achievable thanks to the steadfast backing of Eva Yates from BBC Film, Ama Ampadu at the BFI, as well as my producers Rachel Dargavel from Element Pictures and Funmbi Ogunbanwo at Fatherland Productions. I can’t wait to reveal a side of my hometown and city that is seldom depicted on screen.

On Thursday, Cannes officials announced that the film will be included in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival, which is known for its collection of directorial debuts. Alongside the premiere of Davies Jr.’s work, this section will also present Scarlett Johansson’s movie titled “Eleanor the Great,” starring June Squibb and Harrison Dickinson’s British drama titled “Urchin.” This latter film is a poignant drama about a homeless man in London.

The film titled “My Father’s Shadow” was jointly produced by BBC Film and the British Film Institute (BFI). Global distribution is managed by The Match Factory. Streaming platform Mubi has already acquired all rights for North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Turkey. As of now, Mubi has not yet revealed its plans for the film’s theatrical release in North America, the U.K., and Ireland.

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2025-04-15 16:24