British-Nigerian siblings Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies clinch BAFTA debut award, marking milestone for Nigerian storytelling on global cinematic stage.
British-Nigerian brothers Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies claimed the BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director, or Producer for their groundbreaking film My Father’s Shadow. The win marks a milestone not just for the siblings, but for Nigerian storytelling on the global stage.
The film, set during Nigeria’s tumultuous 1993 election, follows two young brothers on a transformative journey through Lagos, capturing the vibrancy, struggles, and spirit of everyday life in Nigeria. Shot entirely on location in Lagos and Ibadan, the movie offers an authentic glimpse into Nigerian culture, history, and family bonds.
Akinola Davies Jr., the film’s director, described the BAFTA win as “a dream realised for both our family and the many untold Nigerian stories that deserve to be seen around the world.” Wale Davies, the writer behind the screenplay, shared the stage with his brother, emphasising how their collaboration as siblings enriched the storytelling. “Working together, we were able to channel our shared experiences and the stories of our parents into the film,” he said during their acceptance speech.
The journey of My Father’s Shadow has been historic. It became the first Nigerian feature selected for Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection (Un Certain Regard), cementing the brothers’ reputation as rising stars in international cinema. Their BAFTA win is being hailed as a watershed moment for Nigerian filmmakers, signaling growing recognition of the country’s rich cinematic talent.
Joining the celebration, British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku also had a standout night, winning Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Annie in the supernatural thriller Sinners. This marks her second BAFTA win, following her 2021 TV award for Damilola, Our Loved Boy, and her 2021 Leading Actress nomination for the acclaimed horror film His House.
My Father’s Shadow tells a deeply personal and historically grounded story set during Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis. It stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù as a father who takes his two young sons, portrayed by real-life brothers Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo, on a transformative day through the vibrant streets of Lagos.
Akinola Davies Jr. emphasised authenticity by filming entirely on location in Lagos and Ibadan, capturing the energy and nuances of Nigerian life. The BAFTA win signals a new era of international recognition for Nigerian stories and filmmakers, solidifying the country’s place in global cinema.