My Father's Shadow: A Powerful, Authentic Debut That Redefines Modern African Storytelling

My Father’s Shadow delivers its story with a deeply authentic sense of African storytelling—intimate, reflective, and rooted in lived experience. Set in politically troubled mid-90s Lagos, the film unfolds through the eyes of a child, offering a pensive look at fatherhood and the quiet emotional currents that shape a family.

The production design is immaculate. From household utensils to product labels, clothing choices, and even the atmosphere of each room, every detail perfectly recreates the Lagos of that era. The pacing is unhurried, allowing the film to settle you into its world before the emotional beats start to land.

Sope Dirisu gives a touching performance, matched beautifully by the young boys who carry much of the film’s emotional weight. But the true standout here is Akinola Davies Jr. As a debut feature, this is remarkably assured—he emerges as a fresh and compelling voice in modern African cinema.

The cinematography and visual language amplify the “Nigerianness” of the story, while the score adds just the right emotional texture. It’s a film that lingers long after the credits roll.

If anything, the story feels a bit incomplete. There are unresolved questions surrounding the mother, and honestly, the world is so rich that you could easily watch another hour. Still, as a debut, it’s powerful, memorable, and one of the year’s strongest.