Cannes, France (AP) — Akinola Davies Jr. and his brother Wale were both very young when their father passed away. As they grew up, they started to explore film concepts.
In “Father’s Shadow,” featured at the Cannes Film Festival, the Davis brothers honor a father they barely knew, creating one of the most memorable father-son narratives at the festival.
Making its debut on Sunday, the film represents the culmination of more than a decade of reflection, with the script initially penned by Wale and shared with Akinola in 2012.
“There was no context when he sent it to me. I felt an intense emotional reaction,” Akinola Davis remarked in a recent interview. “I cried while reading it because I had never conceptualized what it would be like to spend a day with my father.
Set for one day in 1993 Lagos, “Father’s Shadow” has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Nigerian film to be selected officially for Cannes. It stands as a proud moment for Nigeria’s vibrant Nollywood film industry. This year, “Father’s Shadow” also led to Nigeria establishing a national pavilion at Cannes’ international village.
“This is incredibly significant for those returning to Nigeria, as it shows our narratives can be represented on these platforms,” Davis expressed. “It’s a tribute to the talent within Nigeria, the richness of our stories, and the health of our industry.”
Wale Davis, Thorpe Dilis, Akinola Davis, producer Rachel Dargavel and Fummbi Ogambangwo promote ‘My Father’s Shadow’ (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)
‘Father’s Shadow,’ which Mbi secured for North American distribution prior to the festival, also has ties to the UK, where Davis resides after growing up in Nigeria.
“Nigerian media often asks if the film is Nollywood or not. They seem to focus on that because all the crew are from Nollywood,” Davis explained. “You can’t take people from the industry and then claim it’s outside of it.”
Filmed in Lagos, “Father’s Shadow” beautifully captures the texture and essence of Nigeria. “Everything in Lagos is cinematic,” Davis states.
“I have a deep appreciation for Nigeria,” he continues. “Many see it’s chaotic, but I find it quite serene. Driving there feels incredibly cinematic, and I’m often taking photos of everyday life.”
“Gang of London” actor Sharp plays their father, Folarin. The boys (Cibike’s talented Egbo and Godwin Egbo) unexpectedly reunite with him at a family home outside Lagos. They seldom see him due to his work in Lagos, but Folarin takes them on a city adventure that opens their eyes.
To bring a fictional representation of their father to life, the Davies had to dig into their memories (Akinola was just 20 months old when his father passed away, while Wale was four). Their father developed epilepsy, passing away during a seizure, leaving a profound impact on their mother. Akinola was named after his father.
SOPE Dirisu and Akinola Davies Jr. (Photo: Joel C Ryan/Invision/AP)
“It’s a blend of memories, dreams, and hearsay,” Davis reflects. “How do all these elements come together to shape a portrait?”
“Father’s Shadow” takes place on a significant day in Nigerian history, when General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who came to power in a coup, dismissed the results of a democratic election. This day not only honors Davis’s father’s memory but also represents a pivotal moment for the nation’s aspirations.
Jake Coyle has been covering the Cannes Film Festival since 2012. He will screen about 40 films at this year’s festival. Follow his insights on standout films.
Ultimately, “My Father’s Shadow” embodies the fulfillment of Davis’s ambitions as a filmmaker. Following his short “Lizard,” which garnered BAFTA recognition for his brother, Davis is now establishing himself as a notable director. More than that, “My Father’s Shadow” serves as a deeply cathartic exploration for him.
“The sadness lingers because I was older,” reflects Davis. “But as we prepared for filming, I realized I was still grieving. We began our preparations just after my father’s death anniversary. Every year, my mother reaches out to me around that time.
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Source: apnews.com