The United Kingdom has selected My Father’s Shadow, a Nigerian drama film by British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., as its official entry to the Best International Feature Film category in the 2026 Academy Awards.
The film, whose international premiere was at the Cannes Film Festival last year, follows two brothers on an odyssey with their estranged father in a turbulent 1990s Nigeria. Shot almost entirely on location in Nigeria with local cast and crew, My Father’s Shadow was produced by BBC Film, the British Film Institute (BFI), and Element Pictures, among others.
In a statement, the British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominees committee referred to the movie as “a profoundly emotional and visually compelling film that conveys the nuance of identity, memory, and belonging.”
But the film’s decision has stirred muted controversy among Nigerian moviegoers and critics, some of whom view the story as essentially Nigerian, even though it was entered on behalf of the UK. Some contend that its cultural and narrative authenticity, from language to setting, bestows a distinctly Nigerian heritage, despite having British financing and production patronage.
The film suggests an even broader trend within world cinema overall, whereby stories rooted in African existence are increasingly being developed, funded, and distributed under transnational collaborations.
For now, My Father’s Shadow is among the international films drawing attention ahead of this year’s Oscars, entering conversations around the Best International Feature category. Its presence reflects how fluid the idea of “national cinema” has become, as Nigerian storytelling increasingly reaches global audiences through multiple channels.
About The Author
Leave a comment