‘My Father’s Shadow’ Review: Nigeria’s First Ever Cannes Selection Marks a Miraculous Gem of Autofiction

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The film “My Father’s Shadow” accomplishes an extraordinary dual feat with a straightforward construction. This moving piece, penned by brothers Akinola and Wale Davies and helmed by the latter, unfolds over a single day in the lives of two youthful siblings accompanying their father on a journey from a humble Nigerian village to the vibrant metropolis of Lagos. Initially, viewers are drawn into this heartfelt and astutely portrayed narrative. Yet, as the story unfolds, a shocking twist is unveiled, exposing the hidden turmoil and conflict lurking beneath the surface. This unexpected revelation serves to overturn the film entirely, transforming it into a profoundly humanistic tale.

Growing up, my brothers Akin and Remi, much like many siblings our age, shared a dynamic mix of camaraderie, rivalry, and subtle resentment. But what truly set us apart was our profound respect for our father, Florian (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù). This reverence was palpable whenever we were in his presence; our voices would soften, and our demeanor would become more subdued. As a man working hard to provide for us in the capital, he wasn’t around much, making him seem almost mythical in our eyes – more of an idolized figure than just our parent.

On a workday, Florian decides to take his sons on an excursion to Lagos instead of leaving them at home. He intends to pick up his salary there. Unfortunately, their bus malfunctions en route, forcing them to thumb a ride. In Lagos, they encounter some unfamiliar individuals who appear to recognize Florian. Together, they head to the beach. Despite his efforts, Florian fails to meet his boss and retrieve his payment. The narrative is crafted with careful attention to the perspectives of the characters over the specific events that transpire. The screenplay effectively captures the children’s perspective as they grapple with the complexities of the adult world. Through the camera lens, we witness the heartfelt yet somewhat puzzled gaze of the young brothers as they navigate this new environment.

In this tale, penned and produced by a pair of siblings, there’s an element of personal experience woven into it. To heighten its historical authenticity, the movie is set on the exact day when the tense outcome of the 1993 Nigerian elections was revealed. The brothers, along with some characters they encounter, harbor optimism, anticipating change. However, as news reports of chaos and opposition protests being violently suppressed by the military continue to flood TVs and radios, their hopes are gradually replaced by fear.

The narrative is always told from the perspective of the boys, never exposing more than they could possibly comprehend, thereby intensifying the emotional impact of the story.

Simultaneously, Florian is portrayed as a cinematic masterpiece by the Davies brothers, embodying a mythical figure. He’s admired like any father by his children, becoming an idol of sorts. Dìrísù delivers a remarkable performance that should catapult him to the forefront of casting considerations. His portrayal of the father is both romanticized through the eyes of his sons and realistically depicts a man grappling with life’s challenges, balancing family, work, and national responsibilities.

It’s hinted that Florian might have a political background, as he encounters multiple individuals during his travels in Lagos who show him respect and deference, suggesting leadership qualities. His sons notice this, and they also observe the reactions of women to Florian’s confident and alluring demeanor. This provides Dìrísù with a rich palette for his portrayal: he can convey emotions such as anger, attraction, shame, powerlessness, courage – all brewing beneath every calm word he speaks and deliberate action he makes.

The movie makers’ genius move lies in choosing brothers Chibuike Marvellous Egbo and Godwin Egbo to portray Akin and Remi. Their scenes together, whether warm or argumentative, seem genuine and unforced. Is this due to their innate acting talents or the fact that they are real siblings? It’s a combination of both. In the end, it doesn’t matter why because their harmonious performances infuse the film with an undeniable sense of ease and authenticity, as if by being so natural together, they are enhancing the movie’s already palpable authenticity.

In “My Father’s Shadow”, the creators subtly introduce the film’s magical aspect at its onset. One of the characters speaks in voiceover, saying “I dream of seeing you.” The movie by Akinola and Wale Davies is partially based on their personal experiences, yet it also serves as a poignant depiction of what they may have experienced instead. While the events portrayed could be real, they might not have been. This ambiguity adds power to the film; the creators envisioned their childhood filled with interactions they yearned for. By fabricating a fictional account of their lives, they managed to create a significant memory that they and those fortunate enough to watch their movie can cling to and draw strength from.

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2025-05-20 01:18