Minister of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has celebrated the historic achievement of “My Father’s Shadow,” the first Nigerian movie to be officially selected for screening at the Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and based on a screenplay by his brother, Wale Davies, the movie was recently screened in the Un Certain Regard section of the festival.
The commendable feat sets the film apart from other Nigerian movies regularly showcased at the Marché du Film or the Nigerian Pavilion during the festival.
Hannatu attended the screening at Théâtre Debussy, the 2nd-largest venue in the Palais des Festivals, where the semi-autobiographical story detailed the backdrop of Lagos during the June 12, 1993, election crisis.
Speaking via her social media page, the minister revealed how proud she felt to witness the groundbreaking moment for Nigerian cinema.
According to her, she watched the amazing movie alongside the brains behind the film, and she was present not just as a Minister, but as a firm believer in the beauty of Nigerian stories.
Musawa maintained that the landmark achievement is not about the movie alone, and it represents a massive moment for Nigerian cinema as a whole.
She is of the opinion that “My Father’s Shadow” deserves to be celebrated for proving that the voices of Nigerian storytellers also matter in the grand scheme of things.
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“One of the most special moments was celebrating My Father’s Shadow, the first Nigerian film to be officially selected at the Cannes Film Festival. I joined the amazing team at their screening, standing with them not just as a Minister, but as someone who deeply believes in the power of our stories.
This wasn’t just about one film. It was a moment for Nigerian cinema and for the entire creative industry back home. It showed the world that our voices matter and that they’re being heard.
The Pavilion exists to open doors. To put a spotlight on our talent. And to remind the world that Nigeria isn’t just participating, we’re creating, leading, and redefining the narrative,” she wrote.
This year marks Nigeria’s official return to the Cannes Film Festival after a lengthy absence since 2013.
