The wait is finally over for cinema lovers around the globe. A stunning new trailer for “My Father’s Shadow” has dropped today and it promises a tearful ride through 1990s Nigeria. This Gotham winning drama is already sparking serious Oscar buzz ahead of its release. Fans are calling it a visual masterpiece that hits deep in the soul.
A Dangerous Drive Home During Political Crisis
The film takes place over just one single day. But it is not an ordinary day. The story is set in Lagos during the tense 1993 Nigerian election crisis. This was a time when the whole country held its breath.
We follow a father who is estranged from his family. He picks up his two young sons for a road trip that should be simple. But nothing is simple in a city on the edge of chaos.
Political unrest fills the streets. Tires burn on the roads and soldiers watch from the corners. The trailer shows us how this small family tries to navigate the massive and volatile city. They just want to get home safely.
The premise is simple yet very heavy. It shows a fragile attempt at connection between a dad and his boys. This happens while the nation falls apart outside their car window.
Every detour they take hints at danger. Every delay feels like a threat. The film shows how easily the outside world can crush personal hope.
Key Plot Points Revealed:
- Setting: Lagos, Nigeria during the June 1993 election annulment.
- Core Conflict: A father trying to bond with sons he barely knows.
- Atmosphere: High tension mixed with quiet, sad moments inside a car.
This specific time in history is known as the June 12 crisis. It was a turning point for Nigeria. The director uses this real history to add weight to a personal story. It makes the stakes feel very real for the characters.
sope dirisu driving car lagos 1993 movie scene
Awards Season Dominance And Critical Acclaim
You might have heard whispers about this film already. That is because it has been sweeping awards at major festivals all year.
It is rare for a debut film to get this much attention. Akinola Davies Jr. has announced himself as a major new voice in cinema. The industry experts are already placing their bets on this film for the upcoming Oscars.
The movie is positioned as the official submission from the United Kingdom for Best International Film. This is for the 98th Academy Awards.
Here is a look at the trophies the film has already collected:
| Award Body | Category Won | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| Cannes Film Festival 2025 | Caméra d’Or Special Mention | Akinola Davies Jr. |
| British Independent Film Awards | Best Director | Akinola Davies Jr. |
| Gotham Awards 2025 | Breakthrough Director | Akinola Davies Jr. |
| Gotham Awards 2025 | Outstanding Lead Performance | Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù |
Critics are not holding back their praise either. Carlos Aguilar from The Playlist gave it a perfect grade. He called it “one of the most stirring debuts in recent years.”
Reviews suggest the film is a “mournful miracle.” It evokes heartbreak similar to the hit movie “Aftersun.” But it trades a Turkish resort for the heat and noise of 90s Lagos.
A Star Studded Cast And Creative Team
The emotional weight of the film rests on the shoulders of its lead actor. Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù takes on the role of the father.
Dìrísù is known for his intense roles in projects like Gangs of London. But this role requires a different kind of strength. He plays a man trying to decode his own life while protecting his children.
His performance won him the Outstanding Lead Performance at the Gotham Awards. This is a huge honor that puts him in the front runner spot for more acting prizes.
He is joined by two young talents. Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo play the sons.
Why the cast works:
- Chemistry: The trailer shows a raw and awkward bond that feels 100% real.
- Innocence: The children provide a pure view of a scary world.
- Experience: Dìrísù brings a quiet power that anchors the film.
Behind the camera is a family affair too. Akinola Davies Jr. co-wrote the script with his brother Wale Davies. This partnership helps translate a semi-autobiographical story into something universal.
Producers Rachel Dargavel and Funmbi Ogunbanwo helped bring this vision to life. They managed to turn the chaotic energy of Lagos into a cinematic odyssey.
“The premise is simple yet loaded: a fragile attempt at reconnection unfolds against a backdrop of looming national upheaval.”
This quote from the early reviews captures the magic of the team’s work. They balanced the big political picture with the small intimate moments perfectly.
Why This Film Matters Right Now
Road movies are a classic genre. But “My Father’s Shadow” does something different. It mixes memory with history.
The year 1993 was a time of broken promises in Nigeria. The election was meant to bring democracy but it brought confusion instead.
By setting a father-son story here the director makes a strong point. He shows that life goes on even when history is being made. Parents still have to parent. Children still need love.
The trailer hints at themes of regret and redemption. The father is a stranger to his boys. The car ride is his last chance to fix that.
Viewers connect with this because we all have things we wish we said. We all have shadow parts of our family history.
The film uses the car as a bubble. Inside the car there is silence and tension. Outside the car there is noise and fire. This contrast creates a unique visual language.
Visual Style Notes:
- Camera Work: Intimate close ups on faces mixed with wide shots of a busy city.
- Color Palette: Dusty browns, bright yellows, and the haze of the Lagos heat.
- Sound Design: The hum of the engine against the chanting of crowds outside.
This movie is not just for people who know Nigerian history. It is for anyone who has ever tried to bridge a gap with a loved one. It is about the difficult road to forgiveness.
The film arrives in theaters on February 6, 2026. This gives audiences time to prepare for an emotional experience. The trailer is less of a discovery and more of a confirmation. It confirms that this is essential viewing for the year.
“My Father’s Shadow” is shaping up to be a modern classic. It combines the personal pain of a broken family with the collective pain of a broken nation. It is a bold and beautiful piece of art that demands to be seen on the big screen.
Share your thoughts on this trailer. Do you think Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù will take home the Oscar? If you are excited about this release use the hashtag #MyFathersShadow on social media and let us know what you think.
