BAFTA Award-winning filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr.’s acclaimed debut feature ‘My Father’s Shadow’ made its streaming arrival on Netflix yesterday. Following a historic festival run that included honors at Cannes, the BAFTAs, and the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), the acclaimed Nigerian drama expands its reach to a broader global audience.
Co-written by Davies Jr. alongside his brother Wale Davies, the film stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Godwin Chiemerie Egbo, and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo. Shot entirely on location in Lagos, the semi-autobiographical story is set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s turbulent 1993 presidential election crisis. The story follows young brothers Remi and Akin as they navigate the streets of Lagos with their father, Folarin, discovering more about the city and their father’s personal hardships as rising political chaos threatens their journey home.
‘My Father’s Shadow’ is now streaming globally on Netflix.
–Dominique Young // @heyyydommm
my favorite film from 2025! a must see.