U.K. Picks My Father’s Shadow for Oscar for Best International Feature Film

The U.K. has picked My Father’s Shadow, directed by British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., as its candidate in the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards.

Set in 1993 Lagos during Nigeria’s pivotal election year, My Father’s Shadow follows two young brothers, Remi and Akin, who spend a transformative day with their estranged father, Folarin (played by Sope Dirisu). The journey across the city becomes a window into their father’s struggles and the tensions of familial bonds under pressure.

Starring in the movie are Sope Dirisu, alongside brothers Godwin Chiemerie Egbo and Chibuike Marvellous Egbo as the sons.

The film premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival where it won a Caméra d’Or Special Mention for debut films. After Cannes, it made its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival before screening at Sydney Film Festival.

Watch the first clip from My Father’s Shadow above.