UK selects Akinola Davies Jr.’s Nigerian film My Father’s Shadow for the Oscars’ Best International Feature category.
The United Kingdom has selected My Father’s Shadow, a Nigerian story directed by Akinola Davies Jr., as its official entry for the Best International Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards.
Produced by Fatherland Productions in collaboration with Mubi and Element Pictures, the film marks the first time a Nigerian story has been chosen by the UK for Oscar submission. “My Father’s Shadow is the first Nigerian story to be selected by the UK for submission to the Oscars for Best International Feature,” the producers announced on X.
Shot largely in Lagos and Ibadan, the Yoruba, Naija-Pidgin and English-language film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival’s “Un Certain Regard” section, earning Davies Jr. a special jury mention.
Set during Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis, the film stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù and introduces Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo. It remains in Nigerian cinemas until October 16, with UK and US releases slated for February 6, 2026.