Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy Hannatu Musa Musawa has congratulated Akinola Davies Jr. on his Cannes Film Festival entry.
In a historic feat, My Father’s Shadow is the first Nigerian film in nearly 80 years to make it into Cannes’ official selection. Set in Lagos in the aftermath of the 1993 presidential election, the film will screen in the ‘Un Certain Regard’ section during the 78th Cannes Film Festival from May 13–24.
Barrister Musawa lauded the director and the team behind the project for elevating Nigeria’s cinematic reputation. She praised Fatherland Productions, led by Funmbi Ogunbanwo and Wale Davies, for their outstanding commitment to authentic African storytelling.
“This achievement is not only a personal milestone for Akinola Davies and his team but a landmark moment for Nigerian cinema,” she said. “With a predominantly Nigerian cast and crew, My Father’s Shadow reflects the richness of our stories, the depth of our artistry, and the beauty of our cultural identity.”
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Musawa described the Cannes selection as a clear sign of Nigeria’s growing influence in the global creative space. She emphasized that the recognition affirms the nation’s place not just as a participant, but as a strong contender in international cinema.
The minister also acknowledged Fatherland Productions’ previous global acclaim, with recognitions from BAFTA and Sundance Film Festivals.
Out of 2,909 feature films submitted for consideration, My Father’s Shadow earned a coveted spot, highlighting the exceptional quality of Nigerian filmmaking.
Musawa is expected to launch ‘Screen Nigeria’ at Cannes as part of the “Destination 2030: Everywhere Campaign.” The initiative aims to spotlight Nigeria’s audiovisual industry and creative talent, providing new opportunities for global collaboration and investment.
She further called on local and international stakeholders to continue supporting Nigeria’s film industry, stressing that strategic investment in creative talent will unlock economic potential, create jobs, and position Nigeria as a cultural powerhouse.
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