In a defining moment for global cinema, Nigerian UK-based filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. has been awarded the prestigious Breakthrough Director Award at the 2025 Gotham Film Awards.
This recognition, one of the most coveted honors in independent film, celebrates his masterful debut feature, ‘My Father’s Shadow’, a semi-autobiographical drama that has rapidly become one of the year’s most critically acclaimed works.
Davies Jr.’s film, which delves into the political and personal complexities of 1990s Nigeria, stood out in a competitive field, signaling the arrival of a major new directorial voice.
A Double Honor: Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù Wins Outstanding Lead Performance
The night was a dual victory for ‘My Father’s Shadow’. Alongside Davies Jr.’s directorial win, the film’s lead actor, Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, was honored with the Outstanding Lead Performance award.
Dìrísù’s portrayal is described as the emotional anchor of the film, delivering a performance of quiet intensity and profound vulnerability. The recognition of both director and lead actor underscores the film’s cohesive artistic vision—a seamless marriage of narrative direction and character embodiment that resonated deeply with the Gotham jury.
‘My Father’s Shadow’: A Cinematic Memoir of 1993 Lagos
Set against the volatile backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian election crisis—a watershed moment in the nation’s history—‘My Father’s Shadow’ weaves a deeply personal narrative of family, identity, and political turmoil.
The film explores a family reunion in Lagos that unravels as the country teeters on the brink of chaos. It is a semi-autobiographical reflection, drawing from Davies Jr.’s own memories to paint a vivid, textured portrait of a specific time and place.
Known for his visual artistry in short films and music videos, Davies Jr. brings a unique, sensory-rich aesthetic to his feature debut, capturing the heat, sound, and color of Lagos with an intimacy rarely seen in international cinema.
The Road to the Oscars
The Gotham win is a significant boost for the film’s awards season momentum. ‘My Father’s Shadow’ has already been selected as the United Kingdom’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the upcoming 98th Academy Awards.
This selection positions the film as a frontrunner in the global race for the Oscars, bridging the British and Nigerian film industries. With distribution secured by MUBI, the film is set for a U.S. theatrical release in February 2026, ensuring that American audiences will soon experience the work that has captivated critics and juries alike.
