About the film
Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. | Drama | 1h 35m | 2025
A deeply personal and semi-autobiographical story, My Father’s Shadow is set against the turbulence of 1993 Lagos during a pivotal national election promising a shift from military rule to democracy in Nigeria. When young brothers Remi and Akin unexpectedly accompany their oft-absent father, Folarin (Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù) to the city to collect his long-overdue wages, what unfolds is a rich meditation on grief, memory, and fatherhood set within a country on the cusp of fragile transformation. Winner of the Caméra d’Or Special Mention at Cannes (and the first Nigerian film ever to screen in Official Selection at the festival), My Father’s Shadow spans multiple terrains, weaving together memoir, fiction, and historical materials in its exploration of crises—both political and personal—as seen through a child’s eyes.
Director Bio
Akinola Davies Jr. is a British-Nigerian filmmaker, director, and visual artist. Raised between the UK and Lagos, Nigeria, he gained widespread acclaim for his award-winning short film Lizard (2020) and made history as the director of My Father’s Shadow, the first Nigerian film officially selected for the Cannes Film Festival.
Shorts Pairing: Sea Star
About the film
Directed by Tyler Mckenzie Evans | Drama | 12m | 2025
Personal tragedy prompts an elderly Black man to take his first swimming lesson in Tyler McKenzie Evans’ graceful and nuanced meditation on the strength needed to move through grief in the face of unshakeable fears and generational trauma.
Director Bio
Tyler Mckenzie Evans is a Black-Canadian director and screenwriter. Weekly childhood trips to the cinema fueled his love of storytelling, leading to acclaimed short films like Diaspora (TIFF 2022) and Sea Star (TIFF 2025). An alumnus of the 2023 TIFF Filmmakers Lab, his goal is to create captivating stories centered around Black people and people of colour. He is currently developing his debut feature film.
Pre-Show Activities (from 7:30pm)
The party starts before the movie! Join us on the field at 7:30pm not only just to snag a good seat, but also for family-friendly activities and fun. Lay your blanket down, secure your popcorn, and relax until the show starts!
★ Crocheting with Chas Yeboah
★ Children’s Book Bank Free Books: Children’s Book Bank will be giving away free books for children and families as well as offering book readings and story sharing activities.
★ Henna by Aniqa Al-basith
Visit our community tablers:
★ Black Queer Youth Collective
Thank you to our co-presenters:
