My Father’s Shadow Set to Represent the UK at the Oscars

The United Kingdom has officially selected the Nigerian film My Father’s Shadow, for the Best International Film category at the Oscars. This category caters to feature-length films produced outside the United States with predominantly non-English dialogue. Each country is to submit only one film to represent it, usually selected by a national committee. To qualify, the film must have been theatrically released in its home country within the Academy’s specified dates and run for over 40 minutes.

According to Variety, My Father’s Shadow was selected by a special BAFTA committee. While the UK puts forward My Father’s Shadow, Nigeria did not submit any film for consideration in this year’s International Feature Film category. Continuing a pattern of inconsistency that has drawn concern among filmmakers and cultural commentators about the country’s engagement with global film institutions.

My Father’s Shadow has made quite an interesting festival run, with the recent announcement of its selection at the BFI London Film Festival. Not too long ago, it premiered at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. And became the first ever Nigerian film to be selected and win under the Un Certain Regard Section.

Written by Akinola Davies Jr. and his brother Wale Davies, the feature follows two young brothers who spend a day with their estranged father, exploring themes of identity, memory, and familial bonds. Set against the politically charged backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian presidential election, it intertwines personal and historical narratives, reflecting Davies’ signature fusion of memory and modern African identity.

My Father’s Shadow is NollyCritic’s highest rated Nigerian movie and it currently streaming in cinemas. This selection is possible because there is sufficient creative contribution from the UK and the director is a British citizen.

The submission, however, raises questions on the category and the necessary requirements, which have always seemed to be a major struggle for Nigeria.