Nigeria’s creative industry earned global recognition earlier this year when My Father’s Shadow made history as the first Nigerian film to be selected for the official line-up of the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
The Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, Esq., received the film’s co-producer, Fumbi Ogunbanwo, in her office in Abuja to mark the milestone and discuss opportunities for the Nigerian film industry.
Earlier this year, My Father’s Shadow made history at the Cannes Film Festival as the first Nigerian film to be selected for the official festival line-up.
Yesterday at her office, the Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, Esq.,… pic.twitter.com/bHgFuGIJxa
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Ogunbanwo, Chief Executive Officer of Fatherland Productions, was accompanied on the courtesy visit by Mr. Ayomide Adeagbo, Special Assistant to the President on Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, and Moriam Ajaga, Special Adviser to the President.
A Landmark for Nollywood
The Cannes selection of My Father’s Shadow was a historic achievement for Nollywood. Cannes is widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, and the inclusion of a Nigerian film in its official line-up signals a growing recognition of Nigerian cinema on the global stage.
Produced by Fatherland Productions, the film explores themes of family, identity and cultural heritage. Its selection has been hailed by industry stakeholders as proof of Nollywood’s growing capacity to tell compelling stories that resonate internationally.
Also Read: Nollywood Celebrates First-Ever Entry in Cannes Official Selection
Speaking during the visit, Minister Musawa congratulated the team behind the film for breaking new ground for Nigeria at Cannes. She stressed the importance of government support for the creative industry and highlighted ongoing collaboration with the film’s producers.
“The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and the Creative Economy, in collaboration with the Presidency, is working closely with Fatherland Productions to ensure My Father’s Shadow reaches its full potential. This partnership also reflects a broader commitment to developing frameworks that elevate Nigerian storytelling, ensuring local narratives are told authentically and showcased on the global stage,” Musawa said.
Looking Ahead
Following its historic moment at Cannes, My Father’s Shadow is expected to continue its journey through other international film festivals and later reach Nigerian and African audiences. The recognition is seen as a stepping stone for more Nigerian films to break into the global festival circuit, boosting both cultural diplomacy and economic opportunities within the creative economy.
With government backing and growing international attention, industry watchers believe the success of My Father’s Shadow could pave the way for more Nigerian filmmakers to showcase their work on some of the world’s biggest platforms.
