Nigeria's first-ever Cannes selected film 'My Father's Shadow' premiered at the Festival earlier this week.
Set in Lagos during the 1993 Nigerian election crisis, it sees Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù playing the leading role as Folarin, a father who takes his two young sons on a road trip into the city. The coming-of-age tale reveals how the two boys see the real life and real history of their father, who has been absent much of their lives.
The "rich, heartfelt and rewarding" film (The Guardian) is co-written and directed by first-time Nigerian film-maker Akinola Davies Jr. It is a semi-autobiographical tale which he wrote with his brother Wale Davies about experiences with their father, who died when they were young.
Variety calls out Ṣọpẹ́'s "revelatory" performance that should "that should put him at the top of casting lists", whilst Time Out describes his performance as "simmering and sensitive". He uses an exemplary Nigerian accent throughout the film.
Watch the first official clip of the film.
Click for Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù's profile page and voiceover showreel.
