“My Father’s Shadow” Wins Jury Prize at Kenya’s NBO Film Festival

Akinola Davies Jr.’s My Father’s Shadow has won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2025 NBO Film Festival in Nairobi, Kenya, marking another milestone for the Nigerian filmmaker.

The win follows the film’s recent recognition as the United Kingdom’s official submission for the 2026 Oscars in the Best International Feature category.

The NBO Film Festival organisers announced the award on October 29, praising the film for its artistry and emotional resonance. “This film moved our jury with its emotional depth, poetic imagery, and fearless storytelling. Let’s celebrate the stories that remind us who we are and where we come from,” the festival noted.

The jury, chaired by acclaimed Kenyan filmmaker Wanuri Kahiu, echoed similar sentiments, describing My Father’s Shadow as a powerful and deeply personal work.

Set against the backdrop of Nigeria’s historic June 1993 election crisis, the autobiographical drama continues to earn critical acclaim for its authenticity and introspective exploration of identity, memory, and family.