Nollyhood Makes History with First Official Selection at Cannes

For the first time in nearly eight decades, a Nigerian film has been selected for screening in the official lineup at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. This landmark achievement marks a turning point for Nollywood, Nigeria’s prolific film industry.

The chosen film, My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies, is scheduled to premiere on Sunday, representing a major breakthrough for Nigerian cinema at one of the world’s most respected platforms for arthouse films.

A Milestone for Nollywood

Prince Baba Agba, cultural advisor to President Bola Tinubu, welcomed the development, describing it as evidence that Nigerian cinema has matured.

“Being selected for competition for the first time ever shows that Nigerian cinema has truly come of age,” he said.

Nollywood, which produces up to five films daily, has built a vast following with its low-budget productions centred around themes such as love, religion, poverty, and corruption, often intertwined with supernatural elements. While hugely popular across Africa and among the diaspora, the industry has struggled to gain recognition on the global stage.

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A Film Grounded in History

Davies’ semi-autobiographical debut is set during the 1993 military coup in Nigeria a defining moment in the country’s democratic history. The film follows two young boys navigating Lagos with their father during the political turmoil that saw General Sani Abacha seize power following the annulment of national elections.

Featuring Gangs of London actor Sope Dirisu, My Father’s Shadow has been praised not as an isolated success, but as evidence of the wider transformation of Nigerian filmmaking.

Growing Global Attention

In recent years, Nigerian films have begun to attract more international attention. Editi Effiong’s The Black Book topped Netflix’s global rankings in 2023, even reaching number one in South Korea. Other notable works include Eyimofe (This Is My Desire), which was picked up by the esteemed Criterion Collection, and Shine Your Eyes, which premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival.

“We continue to produce a diverse range of films from modest productions to million-dollar projects,” said Agba. “What they all share is the soul and spirit of Nigeria.”

Looking Ahead

Despite these successes, the industry faces ongoing challenges. Netflix has reportedly scaled back investment in Nigerian content, and Amazon shut down its Africa division in 2023. However, domestic stakeholders are stepping up. Mo Abudu, founder of the Ebonylife Group, is preparing to launch a streaming platform for Nigerian content and plans to open a cultural centre in London later this year.

“While some global players are withdrawing, we cannot afford to wait,” said Abudu, recently named the most influential woman in international film by The Hollywood Reporter.

Legislative support may also be on the way. A tax relief bill for filmmakers is currently under consideration in Nigeria’s National Assembly and could further stimulate growth and attract international partnerships.

Cultural Influence and Global Reach

Alongside Afrobeats, Nollywood remains one of Nigeria’s most powerful cultural exports. Agba emphasised the need for infrastructural development, noting that Nigeria has fewer than 150 cinema screens, compared with over 3,000 in Brazil, which has a similar population size.

While challenges remain, the progress is undeniable. With My Father’s Shadow set to make its debut at Cannes, Nigerian cinema is stepping confidently onto the global stage, offering a glimpse of Nollywood’s growing influence and creative potential.