British-Nigerian filmmakers Wale Davies and Akinola Davies Jr. emerged among the standout winners at the 79th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) in London, taking home the award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer for My Father’s Shadow.
The win marks a historic milestone, with the Davies brothers becoming the first Nigerians to receive the award in the category.
Written by Wale Davies and directed by Akinola Davies Jr., the film was shot in Lagos and Ibadan. It follows two brothers and their father navigating Lagos during Nigeria’s 1993 election crisis, capturing a period marked by political unrest and uncertainty.
Produced by Fatherland Productions in collaboration with Mubi and Element Pictures, My Father’s Shadow previously premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, becoming the first Nigerian feature to be officially selected in the category. The film went on to win the Caméra d’Or.
In his acceptance speech, Akinola Davies Jr. reflected on his background as the child of immigrant parents and acknowledged their sacrifices. “To the economic migrant, the conflict migrant, those under occupation, dictatorship, persecution and those experiencing genocide, you matter and your stories matter more than ever. Your dreams are an act of resistance. To those watching at home, archive your loved ones, archive your stories yesterday, today and forever. For Nigeria, for London, Congo, Sudan, free Palestine. Thank you,” he said.
The ceremony also saw British-Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku win Best Supporting Actress for her role as Annie in Sinners, marking another highlight for Nigerian-linked talent at the event.
My Father’s Shadow continues its theatrical run internationally.
