Akinola Davies Jr.’s award-winning debut feature My Father’s Shadow has emerged as a major contender at the 2025 British Independent Film Awards (BIFA), earning 12 nominations, including Best British Independent Film and the Douglas Hickox Award for Best Debut Director.
“My Father’s Shadow” Leads the 2025 British Independent Film Awards
The history-making film, which previously won the Caméra d’Or at Cannes and was selected for the 98th Academy Awards, continues its remarkable international run. Directed by Davies Jr. from a screenplay co-written with his brother, Wale Davies, My Father’s Shadow explores themes of family, innocence, and political upheaval.
Its nomination sweep spans several technical and creative categories. Wale Davies received a nomination for Best Screenplay, Pius Fatoke for Best Sound, Jennifer Anti and Pablo Anti for Best Production Design, CJ Mira and Duval Timothy for Best Original Music, Omar Guzmán Castro for Best Editing, Jermaine Edwards for Best Cinematography, PC Williams for Best Costume Design, and Kehinde Are and Feyzo Oyebisi for Best Makeup and Hair Design. Despite its strong showing, the film did not receive nominations in the performance categories.
Harry Lighton’s debut feature Pillion follows with 10 nominations, while Lynne Ramsay’s Die My Love earned eight, including a Best Lead Performance nod for Jennifer Lawrence. Cal McMal’s Wasteman received five nominations, with David Jonsson recognized for Best Lead Performance.
The 2025 BIFA Awards ceremony will take place on November 30 at the Roundhouse in London.