Akinola Davies Jr Clinches Best Director at 28th BIFA for “My Father’s Shadow”

Akinola Davies Jr has earned the prestigious Best Director award at the 28th British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) for his compelling debut feature film, My Father’s Shadow. This Lagos-based family drama, co-written alongside his brother Wale Davies, dominated the ceremony with a leading 12 nominations. Additionally, it has been selected as the United Kingdom’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming Academy Awards.

Exploring Family and History Amidst Political Turmoil

Backed by the BFI National Lottery Filmmaking Fund, My Father’s Shadow is set against the backdrop of June 23, 1993 – the day Nigeria’s June 12 presidential election results were controversially annulled. The narrative centers on two brothers navigating the bustling streets of Lagos alongside their distant father, delving deeply into themes of familial bonds, personal identity, and the impact of a critical political event in Nigerian history. The film features a standout performance by Sopé Dirisu and originated from a short film concept penned by producer Wale Davies, which was later expanded into a full-length screenplay in collaboration with Akinola.

Celebrating Success and Acknowledging Support

Images from the awards ceremony capture Davies proudly holding his BIFA trophy. In a heartfelt social media post, he dedicated the win “for London, for Lagos, for every diasporan child, and for the entire cast and crew of My Father’s Shadow.” He also extended special thanks to Rachel and Funmbi for their support throughout the project.

Contextual Significance and Contemporary Impact

Since its release, My Father’s Shadow has been praised for its authentic portrayal of Nigerian socio-political realities and the nuanced depiction of family dynamics. The film’s success at BIFA highlights the growing recognition of African narratives in global cinema. According to recent statistics, films representing African stories have seen a 35% increase in international festival selections over the past five years, signaling a broader appetite for diverse voices in the industry.

With its Oscar submission, My Father’s Shadow is poised to further elevate conversations around post-colonial identity and political memory, resonating with audiences worldwide.