‘My Father’s Shadow’ is UK Entry for International Feature Oscar
My Father’s Shadow has been selected as the U.K.’s official Oscar submission for best international feature at the 98th Academy Awards.
The feature debut of Akinola Davies Jr. My Father’s Shadow is a Yoruba, Naija-Pidgin and English-language film. Itpremiered May in Cannes Fest Un Certain Regard competition, where it became Nigeria’s first title in the official selection and earned Davies Jr. a Special Mention from the jury.
It was chosen to represent the U.K. by a special BAFTA selection committee.
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The film was shot on location in Lagos and Ibadan, Nigeria by cinematographer Jermaine Edwards, with post-production taking place in London. It was written by Wale Davies and co-written by Akinola Davies Jr., who previously collaborated on “Lizard,” which won the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance 2021 and received a BAFTA nomination for best British short film.
“We are so excited to see the journey of this film unfold and for the film to resonate with audiences,” said the filmmaking team in a statement. “It is a film that is at once intimate and epic. Films open minds and build understanding, bringing different perspectives and experiences from all over the globe to the screen. We are so proud to be telling this Nigerian story and to sit alongside others in the international feature category that curate local to global stories, creating a diversity of storytelling that thrives through the power of collaboration.”
The Oscar international feature shortlist will be announced on Dec. 16 and the final five nominees will be announced on Jan. 22.
