BFI’s Ama Ampadu On Her Eclectic Career & The “Exceptional” Year Of British Filmmaking: “We’ve Got To Find A Way To Keep This Momentum Going”

BFI’s Ama Ampadu On Her Eclectic Career & The “Exceptional” Year Of British Filmmaking: “We’ve Got To Find A Way To Keep This Momentum Going”

2025 has been an impressive year for the British Film Institute, in its often scrutinized role as a supporter of original filmmaking, with breakout titles emerging across the festival circuit.  Popular titles include the BFI’s trio of Cannes debuts, Harris Dickinson’s Urchin, My Father’s Shadow by Akinola Davies Jr., and Harry Lighton’s Pillion. Over in Venice, there was Mark Jenkin’s Rose of Nevada, Imran Perretta’s Ish, and Annemarie Jacir’s…

A Nigerian Story Heads to the Oscars: ‘My Father’s Shadow’ Is Uk’s Official Entry

This is a historic moment: it’s a Nigerian story, shot largely in Nigeria and rooted in Nigerian experience, being submitted via the UK. In Nigeria, the National Official Selection Committee (NOSC) reportedly chose not to submit to the International Feature category this year. My Father’s Shadow was considered among several films.  My Father’s Shadow is a testament that Nigeria can tell deeply personal, beautifully crafted stories that resonate …

Oscars: U.K. Submits ‘My Father’s Shadow’ for International Feature Race

Akinola Davies Jr.'s debut feature My Father’s Shadow — set and shot in Nigeria — has been submitted as the U.K. submission for the 98th Academy Awards

UK Govt Selects Nigerian Story ‘My Father’s Shadow’ As Oscars Entry

By Ebi Kesiena The United Kingdom has chosen My Father’s Shadow as its official submission for the Best International Feature category at the 98th Academy Awards, making it the first Nigerian story to receive such recognition. Produced by Fatherland Productions in partnership with Mubi and Element Pictures, the film was directed by Nigerian-British filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. and filmed primarily in Lagos and Ibadan, Oyo State. Fatherland Produ…

Nigeria's ‘My Father’s Shadow’ to Represent the U.K. at the Oscars

A few months ago, I wrote about the chances of the acclaimed historical drama My Father’s Shadow finally earning Nigeria its first nomination for ‘Best International Feature Film’ at the Oscars. Well, it looks like Nigeria will have to keep waiting as My Father’s Shadow has been selected as the U.K.’s official submission for the category instead. My Father’s Shadow, the debut feature from British-Nigerian director Akinola Davies Jr., made histo…