Lagos Tourism Commissioner Celebrates Nigerian Film Milestone at Cannes Film Festival

Lagos Tourism Commissioner Celebrates Nigerian Film Milestone at Cannes Film Festival

By Adeoti Sobowale

Cannes, France – May 23, 2025 – Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, proudly represented Nigeria at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival this week, as she joined global film icons in celebrating the international premiere of My Father’s Shadow, a groundbreaking Nigerian film.

Directed by British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr., My Father’s Shadow etched its name in history as the first Nigerian-set fiction film to be selected for screening in the Un Certain Regard section – one of the festival’s most respected categories spotlighting original and daring cinematic voices.

The film, co-written by Akinola and his brother Wale Davies, explores powerful themes of fatherhood, identity, and nationhood through a cross-cultural lens, drawing on their British-Nigerian heritage. “This film is a testament to the power of collaboration,” Davies said. “It’s ultimately about family, about nationhood and fatherhood. It means so much to our community back home in Nigeria, and across the continent, to be premiering at such a prestigious festival.”

My Father’s Shadow is the result of a strong global creative collaboration, featuring production support from Element Pictures, Fatherland, BBC, BFI, MUBI, Match Factory, Fremantle, and Le Pec. The film’s international success highlights the increasing relevance of African storytelling on the global film landscape.

Commissioner Benson-Awoyinka’s presence at Cannes underscores Lagos State’s dedication to fostering the creative economy and promoting Nigerian talent on international platforms. Her participation aligns with the Ministry’s broader mission to support the arts as a key driver of cultural diplomacy and economic development.

“The success of My Father’s Shadow is not only a win for the filmmakers but a proud moment for Lagos and Nigeria at large. It exemplifies what our creatives can achieve when given the right support and exposure,” she said.

The Lagos State Government continues to invest in arts and culture, recognizing its impact on tourism, youth empowerment, and global recognition for Nigerian.

Adeoti Sobowale
Deputy Director, Public Affairs
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
Lagos State Government