The hit Nigerian drama My Father’s Shadow is coming back to local cinemas starting June 5, 2026. This special return is happening because fans across the country loudly asked to see it on the big screen again. FilmOne Entertainment is partnering to bring the movie back to theaters just in time for the upcoming Democracy Day celebrations.
This announcement comes right after the movie completely dominated the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCAs) on May 9, 2026. The film took home five major awards, including Best Movie, Best Director, and Best Writing. Even though director Akinola Davies Jr. could not attend the ceremony in person, he shared that he was deeply moved and surprised by the massive love the film received from the jury and the fans.
For those who missed it during its first run in late 2025, the movie tells a deeply emotional story. It follows an estranged father and his two young sons as they travel across Lagos during a single day. The story takes place right after the historic June 12, 1993 election crisis, making its return to theaters this June very meaningful for Nigerian viewers.
Director Akinola Davies Jr. said: "I’m genuinely overwhelmed. To win multiple awards at the AMVCAs — while not being in the room — it’s something I truly did not see coming. I wish I could have been there in person to share that moment, but the energy reached me where I was. To the jury, thank you for seeing this film the way you did. My Father’s Shadow was a deeply personal journey, and your recognition means more than I can put into words. To my fellow nominees and winners — you all made this category extraordinary. The work coming out of our community right now is something special, and I’m honoured to stand alongside it.
And to the audiences — especially those discovering the film as it returns to cinemas — thank you. Your response has been the real award. Come back to the big screen. That’s where she lives.” Funmbi Ogunbanwo, Producer and CEO of Fatherland, and Wale Davies, Writer and Founder of Fatherland added: "There’s something powerful about watching this story in a room full of our people here in Nigeria, as we approach June 12. This re-release is about creating space for reflection, for conversation, and the healing of our shared wounds." Rachel Dargavel, Producer at Element Pictures, said: "After seeing the film’s major achievements around the globe and the recent success at the AMVCAs, another home theatrical run is a very important and special moment that honours the intent of its making.” Ladun Awobokun, Chief Content Officer at FilmOne Entertainment, said: "At FilmOne, our priority is to identify and champion content that is both artistically powerful and culturally relevant. My Father’s Shadow is a deeply authentic story that resonates with our collective experience, and bringing it back to cinemas ensures that audiences at home connect with the same story that has captivated the world."
My Father’s Shadow has already made history on the global stage. It was the first Nigerian film ever chosen for the Official Selection at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it won a special prize. It also won a BAFTA award and served as the United Kingdom’s official entry for the 2026 Oscars. After premiering in Nigeria last year, the movie traveled to theaters in the US, UK, Canada, France, Italy, and Brazil.
The creators of the film are excited for local audiences to experience the story together once more. The production team explained that watching this specific story in a room full of Nigerian viewers creates a powerful space for reflection and conversation about the country's shared history.
When the film returns this June, the release will include special features for fans. Audiences can look forward to behind-the-scenes footage, historical archive stories, and limited-edition merchandise. Theater partners emphasize that bringing this authentic story back to its home audience honors the true spirit of the project, allowing local viewers to reconnect with a film that has captivated people all over the world.