British-Nigerian filmmaker, Akinola Davies Jr. has been named Best Director at the 28th British Independent Film Awards (BIFA) for his debut feature My Father’s Shadow, marking a significant moment for African filmmaking. The film also emerged as the most nominated at the ceremony this year and has been selected as the UK’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 2026 Academy Awards.
Davies announced the recent achievement on Instagram, sharing photos of his BIFA award plaque alongside his brother Wale Davies, who co-wrote My Father’s Shadow.
The award recognizes Davies’ compelling visual style, storytelling, and emotional depth which has gained consistent international attention since its festival debut. The win further signals a growing global appreciation for Nigerian and African cinema, with My Father’s Shadow standing out for its cultural richness and intimate narrative perspectives.
Supported by the BFI National Lottery Filmmaking Fund, My Father’s Shadow is set against the backdrop of the politically charged period of June 1993, following the annulment of the June 12 elections. Starring Sopé Dìrísù, the film chronicles the lives of two brothers navigating a single day in Lagos with their estranged father, exploring themes of family, identity, and historical significance in Nigeria’s political landscape.