My Father’s Shadow arrives on Netflix Africa

The critically acclaimed debut feature film ‘My Father’s Shadow’, directed by Akinola Davies Jr., is now available for streaming on Netflix in Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa.

Set in Lagos on June 12, 1993—the day of Nigeria’s annulled presidential election—the semi-autobiographical drama follows two young brothers, Remi and Akin, as they spend a day with their estranged father, Folarin. The film explores themes of masculinity, memory, and sacrifice against a backdrop of rising political tension and urban unrest.

The production, which was co-financed by BBC Film and the British Film Institute, was shot entirely in Lagos using 16mm film to evoke a nostalgic 1990s aesthetic. It stars Sope Dirisu alongside real-life brothers Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Chiemerie Egbo.

‘My Father’s Shadow’ has achieved significant international recognition, including being the first Nigerian film selected for the Cannes Film Festival’s Official Selection. Its accolades include a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer, a Caméra d’Or Special Mention at Cannes, and multiple awards at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.