British-Nigerian Brothers Akinola Davies Jr. and Wale Davies Win BAFTA for Groundbreaking Film My Father’s Shadow

London, United Kingdom — February 24, 2026

British-Nigerian brothers and have won the for their powerful and deeply personal film, .
The prestigious honor recognizes emerging creative talent in British cinema, and the Davies brothers’ win marks a significant moment not only for their careers but also for contemporary African storytelling on the global stage.

A Story Set Against Political Turmoil
Set in 1993 during Nigeria’s historic annulled presidential elections, My Father’s Shadow unfolds at a time of national uncertainty and political unrest. The film captures the tense atmosphere that followed the cancellation of the June 12 election—widely regarded as one of the most pivotal and controversial moments in Nigeria’s democratic history.

Against this turbulent backdrop, the story centers on a struggling father raising two young sons. When he takes his children on an unexpected trip, what begins as a simple journey evolves into a profound reckoning.

Along the way, the family is forced to confront financial hardship, the instability unfolding around them, and long-buried secrets that threaten to reshape their understanding of one another.

An Intimate Portrait of Fatherhood
At its core, My Father’s Shadow is an intimate exploration of fatherhood, masculinity, and resilience. The father’s quiet determination to shield his sons from the harsh realities of their environment is juxtaposed with the boys’ growing awareness of the cracks beneath the surface.

Through restrained performances and evocative cinematography, the film paints a portrait of love strained by economic pressure and societal upheaval. The personal becomes political, as the family’s private struggles mirror the broader instability of a nation at a crossroads.

A Landmark Achievement
The BAFTA win underscores the growing recognition of stories that bridge cultures and histories. Akinola Davies Jr., who directed the film, and Wale Davies, who produced it, have been widely praised for crafting a narrative that feels both specific to Nigeria and universally resonant.

In their acceptance remarks, the brothers dedicated the award to families navigating hardship and to the storytellers bringing underrepresented histories to the screen. Their victory signals a broader shift in British cinema—one that embraces diasporic voices and complex narratives rooted in lived experience.

With My Father’s Shadow, the Davies brothers have not only earned critical acclaim but also cemented their place as bold new voices in international filmmaking.