After captivating audiences overseas, My Father’s Shadow is finally set for its Nigerian cinema release on September 19, with FilmOne overseeing local distribution. Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-written by Wale Davies, the film is set in 1993 during the aftermath of the annulled presidential election.

The story follows two brothers spending a single day in Lagos with their estranged father. Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù takes on the role of the father, Folarin, while real-life siblings Godwin Chiemerie Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo star as his sons, Akinola and Olaremi. The cast also features Ayo Lijadu, Greg “Teddy Bear” Ojefua, Uzoamaka Power, Winifred Efon, and Olarotimi Fakunle.

The film made history at its world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Nigerian feature selected for Cannes’ Official Selection and earning a Special Mention for the Caméra d’Or award. After international screenings, it had its African premiere at the Durban International Film Festival in July 2025.

Produced by Funmbi Ogunbanwo for Fatherland Productions with a crew made up of over 80% Nigerians, the project was co-produced with Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures and supported by BBC Film and the British Film Institute. The film is also scheduled for its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this September.

MUBI will handle its distribution across North America, the U.K., Ireland, and Turkey.