Goa, India – Akinola Davies Jr has received the Silver Peacock Special Jury Award at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) for his film My Father’s Shadow, a UK and Nigeria co-production recognised for its powerful storytelling, strong performances and distinctive artistic style.
The award was presented during the festival’s international competition section, where the film stood out among 15 entries. The accolade includes a Silver Peacock trophy, a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000 and an official certificate. It is presented to filmmakers whose work demonstrates exceptional excellence in any aspect of filmmaking.
The Jury described the film as a moving portrait set during Nigeria’s turbulent 1993 presidential election, a period marked by unrest and violent crackdowns. The story follows Folarin, a father travelling with his young sons to Lagos to collect a delayed salary. Their journey through a tense and chaotic city reveals deep emotional layers between a desperate father and his confused and sometimes frightened sons. The Jury noted that the film’s intimate moments and small gestures give the story its emotional depth.
My Father’s Shadow takes place over a single day in Lagos and draws inspiration from Davies Jr’s own experiences. It centres on brothers Akin and Remi as they reconnect with their estranged father, offering a close look at strained family ties during a politically unstable time. Through its natural dialogue and textured portrayal of a city in crisis, the film examines how relationships shift under pressure.
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