Lagos State Commissioner Celebrates Nigerian Film's International Premiere at Cannes

Strategic Insights -

The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, represented the state at the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival in France, where the Nigerian film "My Father's Shadow" made history as the first Nigerian-set fiction film to be selected for the Un Certain Regard section. Directed by British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., the film tells a deeply resonant narrative exploring themes of family, fatherhood, nationhood, and identity, bridging experiences from both Nigeria and the UK. The film's success is a testament to the power of cross-cultural collaboration, and Benson-Awoyinka's presence at Cannes highlights Lagos State's commitment to nurturing the creative industries and promoting Nigerian talent on the global stage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian film "My Father's Shadow" made history as the first Nigerian-set fiction film to be selected for the prestigious Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival.
  • Directed by British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., the film explores themes of family, fatherhood, nationhood, and identity, bridging experiences from both Nigeria and the UK.
  • The film's success is bolstered by a robust network of creative partners, including Element Pictures, Fatherland, BBC, BFI, MUBI, Match Factory, Fremantle, and Le Pec.
  • Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, represented the state at the Cannes Film Festival, celebrating the international premiere of "My Father's Shadow".
  • The film's director, Akinola Davies Jr., is a British-Nigerian filmmaker born in London to Nigerian parents, who crafted the narrative alongside his brother and co-writer, Wale Davies.
  • The film's presence at Cannes showcases how international collaboration can elevate African narratives on the global stage, and highlights the power of storytelling in cross-cultural collaboration.
  • Benson-Awoyinka's presence at Cannes sends a clear signal of Lagos State's commitment to nurturing the creative industries and promoting Nigerian talent on world-renowned platforms like Cannes.
  • The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed the state's dedication to nurturing its incredible creative industries, ensuring Nigerian talent shines brightly on global platforms.

Statistics:

  • 1 Nigerian-set fiction film to be selected for the Un Certain Regard section of the Cannes Film Festival.
  • The film "My Father's Shadow" is directed by Akinola Davies Jr.
  • 7 creative partners were involved in the film, including Element Pictures, Fatherland, BBC, BFI, MUBI, Match Factory, and Fremantle.
  • 1 Lagos State Commissioner represented the state at the Cannes Film Festival.
  • 1 British-Nigerian filmmaker directed the film, Akinola Davies Jr.
  • 2 brothers, Akinola and Wale Davies, co-wrote the narrative.
  • 1 Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed the state's dedication to nurturing its creative industries.

Sources:

  • Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture
  • Cannes Film Festival
  • Element Pictures
  • Fatherland
  • BBC
  • BFI
  • MUBI
  • Match Factory
  • Fremantle
  • Le Pec