# Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies Secure BAFTA Nominations for ‘My Father’s Shadow’
**London, 6 February 2026** – British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. has reached a significant career milestone this week as his debut feature film, *My Father’s Shadow*, continues its dominant run through the 2026 awards season. Following its historic premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the film has now earned Davies and his brother, Wale Davies, a nomination at the upcoming BAFTA Film Awards.
## A Breakthrough for Nigerian Cinema
*My Father’s Shadow* has been described by critics as a “love letter to Lagos,” specifically exploring the complexities of paternal love and masculinity against the backdrop of 1993 Nigeria. The semi-autobiographical narrative follows two brothers vying for their father’s affection during a single, eventful day in the crisis-torn city.
The film made history as the first Nigerian production to be featured in the official selection at Cannes, where it received a Caméra d’Or special mention. Since then, it has garnered international acclaim, including a Best Breakthrough Director win for Davies at the Gotham Awards and a Best Lead Performance win for star Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù.
## Critical Reception and Artistic Vision
Davies, a multi-disciplined visual artist who has previously collaborated with brands such as Gucci and Kenzo, transitioned to feature filmmaking with a focus on cultural heritage and the global diaspora. Speaking to *Sight and Sound* for their March 2026 issue, Davies noted that the film was born from the personal loss of his father during his childhood, aiming to “reintroduce people to their history” through a hallucinatory, child’s-eye view of Lagos.
The film’s atmospheric quality is bolstered by a score from Duval Timothy and CJ Mirra, which has been highlighted by critics as a standout element of the production.
## Key Facts: ‘My Father’s Shadow’ (2025)
| Category | Details |
| :— | :— |
| **Director** | Akinola Davies Jr. |
| **Writers** | Akinola Davies Jr., Wale Davies |
| **Lead Cast** | Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, Godwin Chimerie Egbo, Chibuike Marvelous Egbo |
| **Release Year** | 2025 |
| **Running Time** | 93 minutes |
| **Certification** | 12A |
| **Major Awards** | Gotham Award (Breakthrough Director), Cannes Caméra d’Or (Special Mention) |
| **2026 Nominations** | BAFTA Film Awards (Best British Film / Outstanding Debut) |
## Frequently Asked Questions
### What is Akinola Davies Jr.’s background?
Akinola Davies Jr. is a British-Nigerian filmmaker and visual artist born in Hammersmith, London. He moved to Lagos at age three before returning to the UK later in his youth. His work frequently explores the intersection of West African identity and the experience of the global diaspora.
### Is ‘My Father’s Shadow’ based on a true story?
The film is semi-autobiographical. While it is a fictional narrative about two brothers in 1990s Lagos, Davies has stated in interviews that the emotional core of the film is inspired by the death of his own father and his memories of Nigeria during that era.
### Where can I see Akinola Davies Jr.’s previous work?
Prior to his feature debut, Davies gained recognition for his short films and commercial work, including the Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning *Lizard* (2020) and various visual projects for the BBC, Gucci, and Kenzo.