NIGERIAN FILM ‘MY FATHER’S SHADOW’ CHOSEN AS UK’S OSCARS ENTRY
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A Nigerian narrative, My Father’s Shadow, has been chosen by the United Kingdom as its official entry for the Best International Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards, thereby becoming the inaugural Nigerian film to achieve that honor.
Produced by Fatherland Productions in partnership with Mubi and Element Pictures, the film was helmed by Nigerian-British director, Akinola Davies Jr., and primarily filmed in Lagos and Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Fatherland Productions announced this development via a post on social media platform X on Tuesday.
“My Father’s Shadow is the first Nigerian film selected by the UK for submission to the Oscars for Best International Feature.
“To all Nigerians who viewed it in cinemas: we express our gratitude. As the first nation worldwide to extensively showcase the film in theaters, our theatrical run constituted the qualifying period for this submission,” the production company stated.
According to the media outlet, which initially reported the news, the film, presented in Yoruba, Naija-Pidgin, and English, was selected by a specialized BAFTA selection committee.
It debuted earlier this year in the “Un Certain Regard” section of the Cannes Film Festival, making history as the first Nigerian title to be included in the festival’s official selection, and garnered a special mention for Davies Jr. from the jury.
Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s 1993 election turmoil, My Father’s Shadow narrates the journey of two young boys accompanying their estranged father from a rural village to Lagos amidst political upheaval.
The cast includes Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, known for Gangs of London, and introduces talents Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo.
The screenplay was penned by Wale Davies and jointly authored by Akinola Davies Jr., who previously worked together on the short film Lizard, the recipient of the 2021 Sundance Grand Jury Prize and a BAFTA nomination.
In a statement referenced by Variety, the filmmakers expressed, “We are thrilled to witness the unfolding journey of this film and its resonance with audiences.
“It is a production that is simultaneously intimate and grand. Films have the power to expand perspectives and foster understanding, showcasing diverse viewpoints and experiences from across the globe.
“We take immense pride in telling this Nigerian story and aligning ourselves with others in the international feature category that embrace narratives ranging from local to global, cultivating a rich diversity in storytelling through collaborative efforts. ”
The film premiered in Nigerian cinemas on September 19, distributed by FilmOne, and will remain in theaters until October 16.
Its releases in the UK and US are slated for February 6, 2026.
This announcement follows weeks after the Nigerian Official Selection Committee determined that the country would not present any film for the 2026 Oscars International Feature category.
NOSC chairperson, Stephanie Linus, stated in a September 29 declaration that despite receiving six films for consideration, the committee opted by majority to forgo submission, citing the necessity for enhanced creative and technical competencies to align with Academy standards.
She urged Nigerian filmmakers to examine past Oscar-nominated entries to bolster future submissions.
The finalists for the Oscars International Feature division will be unveiled on December 16, whereas the ultimate nominees will be disclosed on January 22, 2026.
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