The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, joined global creatives at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France to celebrate the international premiere of My Father’s Shadow, a groundbreaking Nigerian film that underscores the power of storytelling and cross-cultural collaboration.
Directed by British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., My Father’s Shadow made history as the first Nigerian-set fiction film to be selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section of the festival.
Born in London to Nigerian parents, Davies, alongside his brother and co-writer, Wale Davies, crafted a deeply resonant narrative exploring themes of family, fatherhood, nationhood, and identity—bridging experiences from both Nigeria and the UK.
“This film is a testament to the power of collaboration. It’s ultimately about family, about nationhood and fatherhood. It means so much to our community back home in Nigeria, and across the continent, to be premiering at such a prestigious festival,” Davies shared.
The film’s success is bolstered by a robust network of creative partners, including Element Pictures, Fatherland, BBC, BFI, MUBI, Match Factory, Fremantle, and Le Pec—showcasing how international collaboration can elevate African narratives on the global stage.
Benson-Awoyinka’s presence at Cannes underscores Lagos State’s commitment to nurturing the creative industries and promoting Nigerian talent on world-renowned platforms.
