Lagos hosted a landmark night for Nigerian cinema as My Father’s Shadow premiered at Filmhouse Cinemas IMAX ahead of its nationwide release on September 19, 2025 through FilmOne Distributions.

The screening brought out filmmakers, actors, cultural leaders, and industry executives to celebrate the film’s homecoming. Earlier this year, My Father’s Shadow became the first Nigerian title ever selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection (Un Certain Regard), where it received the Caméra d’Or Special Mention for best debut feature.

Set on June 23, 1993 — the day Nigeria’s democratic hopes collapsed with the annulment of the June 12 election — the story follows two brothers navigating Lagos with their estranged father. Producer Wale Davies first wrote it as a short before expanding it into a feature with his brother, director Akinola Davies Jr.

At the premiere, Akinola Davies Jr. shared, “I hope that audiences will relate to the same things I love in the film — the family, politics, the spirituality, and the psychology: trying to navigate all of these aspects in a mid-nineties Nigerian period drama is what helps make this film unique. We’ve tried to make something that is accessible, so that when people watch it, they see a reflection of themselves and experiences that they are familiar with.”

Producer and Fatherland CEO Funmbi Ogunbanwo added: “I am excited for audiences to see Lagos portrayed in this way. Audiences will enjoy the rich tapestry of Nigeria, our people and our language. They will feel the rhythm and the sound and size of Lagos.”

The film stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as Folarin, alongside first-time actors Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo, who were cast through a Lagos street campaign. Shot entirely in Nigeria with a crew that was more than 80% local, the project highlights both homegrown talent and industry growth.

“My Father’s Shadow is a deeply authentic story that resonates with our collective experience,” said Ladun Awobokun, Chief Content Officer at FilmOne Entertainment. “Bringing it to cinemas across West Africa ensures that audiences at home connect with the same story that has captivated the world.”

Below are some pictures from the premiere.