The United Kingdom has made history by selecting 'My Father's Shadow', a Nigerian story directed by Akinola Davies Jr., as its official entry for the Best International Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards. This marks the first time a Nigerian story has been chosen to represent the UK in this prestigious category ¹.
*About the Film*
'My Father's Shadow' is a drama film set against the backdrop of Nigeria's 1993 election crisis. The story follows two young brothers who embark on a tense journey with their estranged father from a small village to Lagos during a time of political turmoil. The film stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Godwin Egbo, and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo.
*Critical Acclaim*
The film has received widespread critical acclaim, with a Metacritic score of 85/100. It premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Special Mention for the Caméra d'Or, marking a milestone for Nigerian cinema ² ³.
*What This Means for Nigerian Cinema*
This selection is a significant breakthrough for Nigerian filmmakers, highlighting the country's rich storytelling tradition and its growing influence on the global film industry. 'My Father's Shadow' is poised to showcase Nigerian cinema to a broader audience and potentially pave the way for future Oscar nominations.
*Release and Streaming*
The film is set to be released in the UK and US on February 6, 2026, with global distribution handled by Mubi. It has already been released in Nigerian cinemas, distributed by FilmOne ¹ ².
This achievement underscores the power of storytelling and the impact of Nigerian cinema on the world stage. We look forward to seeing how 'My Father's Shadow' performs at the Oscars.
