Nigerian director Akinola Davies Jr., BAFTA winner with the film My Father’s Shadow, arrives in Brazil in April for the release of his feature in three capitals, accompanied by the composers of the original soundtrack, Duval Timothy and CJ Mirra.
This is Davies Jr.’s first feature film, written over 12 years in collaboration with his elder brother, Wale Davies. The story unfolds over a single day in Lagos, during the electoral crisis of 1993. Two brothers travel to the Nigerian metropolis to reunite with their father, from whom they had been estranged. As political conflict erupts across the city, the father becomes increasingly concerned and does everything he can to protect his sons. For this work, Akinola and Wale Davies received the BAFTA Breakthrough Award in Screenwriting, Directing or Producing, one of the UK’s most prestigious film honours.
The film was screened at the São Paulo International Film Festival in 2025. The director’s visit to Brazil takes place at the invitation of the distributor Filmes da Mostra and is part of the activities of the UK/Brazil Season of Culture 2025–26. The project is supported by the Soft Power Fund, which enables the Brazilian premiere and a coordinated programme of screenings, talent development and industry engagement activities. The initiative highlights the strength and global influence of the UK’s creative industries, while fostering opportunities for training, knowledge exchange and collaboration.
In addition to events in Recife, Salvador and São Paulo, all attended by the director, My Father’s Shadow will be shown in up to 20 cinemas across Brazil between April and June 2026, reaching audiences in different regions.
Programme
Recife – 17 and 18 April
- Lecture and roundtable with Brazilian audiovisual professionals, in partnership with Projeto Paradiso, an initiative dedicated to supporting young talent.
- Film concert at the historic Cinema São Luiz, with live soundtrack by CJ Mirra and Duval Timothy.
Salvador – 21 April
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Pre-premiere at the Espaço Cultural da Barroquinha, with screening accompanied by a live musical performance by British composers CJ Mirra and Duval Timothy, in collaboration with Brazilian musicians.
São Paulo – 23 and 24 April
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Film concert at SESC Avenida Paulista, with live soundtrack by CJ Mirra and Duval Timothy.
Partner Organisations
- São Paulo International Film Festival
- SESC SP
- UK Government