Akinola Davies Jr's "Father's Shadow" Wins Big at AMVCA

Akinola Davies Jr, a Nigerian filmmaker, has achieved significant recognition with his film "Father's Shadow," which became the first Nigerian film to be selected for official competition at the Cannes Film Festival. The film has also won five awards at the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) 2026.

Shot almost entirely in Lagos, the film's production involved a six-week shoot and extensive rehearsals, emphasizing a slow-paced, thoughtful approach to filmmaking. Davies Jr noted the strong support for the film on Nigerian Twitter, where it ranked highly in predictions for nominations.

He explained the decision to submit "Father's Shadow" as a UK entry for the Academy Awards, citing the involvement of UK and Irish co-production partners and the need for financial backing. He expressed a desire to collaborate with Nigerian financiers for future projects, emphasizing the importance of Nigerian cinema's cultural storytelling and its potential for global audiences.