Oscars Buzz: ‘My Father’s Shadow’ Chosen as U.K.’s Entry for International Feature!

“The U.K. has chosen ‘My Father’s Shadow’ as its official entry for the best international feature category at the 98th Academy Awards.”

Directed by Akinola Davies Jr., the film is a collaborative effort involving Mubi, Element Pictures, and Fatherland Productions. ‘My Father’s Shadow’ is a multilingual movie in Yoruba, Naija-Pidgin, and English. It made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival within the Un Certain Regard section, marking it as the first Nigerian film to be featured in this category, where Davies Jr. received a Special Mention. The representation of the U.K. in the Oscars by this film was decided by a dedicated BAFTA committee.

Featuring Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, known for his roles in “Slow Horses” and “Gangs Of London”, and introducing new talents Godwin Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo, the narrative unfolds over a single day. It follows two young boys on a poignant journey with their distant father from a quiet village to Nigeria’s vibrant capital, Lagos, during the tense 1993 election crisis, a time teeming with political tension and imminent change.

According to a review published by The Bangin Beats during the Cannes Film Festival, ‘My Father’s Shadow’ has positioned Davies Jr. as a significant new filmmaker to watch.

The production was filmed across Lagos and Ibadan in Nigeria with Jermaine Edwards as the cinematographer, while post-production was carried out in London. The screenplay was crafted by Wale Davies and co-written by Akinola Davies Jr., who had previously worked together on “Lizard.” This short film not only won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2021 but also received a BAFTA nomination for best British short film.

The filmmaking team expressed their enthusiasm about the film’s journey, stating, “We are thrilled to watch the unfolding journey of this film and its resonance with audiences worldwide. It’s a story that balances intimate character studies with epic narratives. Cinema opens doors to new perspectives and fosters understanding by bringing diverse experiences to the forefront. We are proud to share this Nigerian narrative and to contribute to the rich diversity of global cinema through collaborative storytelling.”

Produced by Rachel Dargavel of Element Pictures and Funmbi Ogunbanwo from Fatherland Productions, ‘My Father’s Shadow’ also lists Akinola Davies Jr., Wale Davies, Ed Guiney, Andrew Lowe, Eva Yates, Ama Ampadu, and Christian Vesper as executive producers. The film’s development was supported by BBC Film and involved financing from both BBC Film and the BFI, with funds from the National Lottery. The Match Factory managed the global sales, while Mubi secured rights across multiple regions including North America and Europe.

Following its festival circuit, the film was released by FilmOne in Nigeria on September 19, where it continues to be shown in theaters. The film is scheduled for release in the U.S. and U.K. on February 6, 2026, after a limited qualifying run in the U.S.

The shortlist for the Oscar’s best international feature will be announced on December 16, with the final nominees revealed on January 22.