Akinola Davies Jr.'s 'My Father's Shadow' Makes Its North American Debut
The highly anticipated Nigerian film My Father's Shadow officially opened in cinemas across the United States and Canada on February 13, 2026. This expansion follows a successful theatrical rollout in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Italy the previous week, marking a significant milestone for director Akinola Davies Jr.'s debut feature.
Celebratory Events Accompany UK Release
To commemorate the UK theatrical release on February 6, a series of exclusive events were held in London. A private screening took place at Everyman at The Whiteley, a landmark cinema venue, attended by notable figures from film, fashion, music, and media industries.
Among the distinguished guests were actors Tosin Cole and India Amarteifio, designers Mowalola, Bianca Saunders, and Torishéju Dumi, musicians Pa Salieu and Obongjayar, presenters Zeze Millz and Julie Adenuga, cinematographer Bradford Young, photographer Misan Harriman, and producer Susan Chardy.
Private Dinner and Live-Score Presentation
Following the screening, a select group attended a private dinner at Somerset House hosted at The Future Plate, a collaborative kitchen space specializing in African and Caribbean cuisine. The dinner was co-hosted by Africa No Filter, Ebele Okobi of Revolutionary Projects, and Kojo Boakye.
Attendees included director Akinola Davies Jr., writer Wale Davies, producer Funmbi Ogunbanwo, photographer Lakin Ogunbanwo, writer-curator Ekow Eshun, BFI executive Ama Ampadu, costume designer P.C. Williams, architect Farouk Agoro, The British Blacklist founder Akua Gyamfi, and We Are Parable founders Anthony and Teanne Andrews.
The celebrations continued with a live-score screening at the Tate Modern's South Tank, featuring composers CJ Mirra and Duval Timothy performing live accompaniment to the film. This event was held in association with the Tate's ongoing Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which explores mid-20th-century modern art in Nigeria and runs through May 10, 2026.
About the Acclaimed Film
My Father's Shadow is a semi-autobiographical drama written by Wale Davies (also known as Tec from the music duo Show Dem Camp) and directed by Akinola Davies Jr. The film follows two young brothers who spend a day with their estranged father in Lagos during Nigeria's June 1993 election crisis, with Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù starring as the father.
The film has achieved remarkable recognition, becoming the first Nigerian feature selected for the Official Selection at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a Caméra d'Or Special Mention. It has since won Gotham and British Independent Film Awards and earned a BAFTA nomination. In Nigeria, it recorded the highest opening weekend gross for a local title at the time of its release.
With its North American release now underway, My Father's Shadow continues to build on its international festival and awards success, bringing this poignant Nigerian story to wider audiences across the continent.
