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MUBI, a global streaming service known for its curated selection of films, has acquired distribution rights to My Father’s Shadow, the feature debut from Akinola Davies Jnr, for North America, the UK, Ireland, and Turkey. The film stars Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, best known for His House and Gangs of London, alongside Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo.
Set in Lagos during a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s history, the film follows two young boys, Remi and Akin, who spend an unforgettable day with their distant father, Folarin. As they move through the city, they witness his challenges to make ends meet, all while political uncertainty looms over the country and threatens to disrupt their journey home. The screenplay is co-written by Davies Jnr and Wale Davies, following their success with Lizard, which won the Short Film Grand Jury Prize at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival and earned a BAFTA nomination.
Specific details regarding theatrical rollouts are yet to be announced, however, MUBI has confirmed that cinema releases in key markets are in the works, with more information to be revealed at a later date.
The film is produced by Element Pictures, Crybaby, and Fatherland Productions. The production team includes Rachel Dargavel for Element Pictures, the company behind On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, which won the Un Certain Regard Best Director award at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival. It also includes Sundance award-winning producer Funmbi Ogunbanwo of Fatherland Productions. The project was developed with support from BBC Film, which also funded Lizard, and received additional financing from the BFI. Global sales are managed by The Match Factory.
Davies Jnr shared his enthusiasm for the project, calling it a deeply personal story rooted in his own experiences. He praised Dìrísù’s performance, saying the actor brought extraordinary depth to the role and elevated the film beyond expectations. He also expressed gratitude for the support of BBC Film, the BFI, and the producers who helped bring the film to life.
Executive producers of My Father’s Shadow include Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Eva Yates, and Ama Ampadu, with Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù joining the Davies brothers in executive production.
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