British actor Sope Dirisu, best known for his role in Gangs of London and more recently in Slow Horses season three, is set to lead My Father’s Shadow, the feature directorial debut of British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr..
Davies previously won acclaim for his Sundance-winning short film Lizard, which was also nominated for a BAFTA.
Co-written by Davies and his brother Wale Davies—who also co-wrote Lizard—the film is a collaboration between Element Pictures (Normal People, Poor Things), BBC Film, and the British Film Institute (BFI).
Filming wrapped last year in Nigeria, with key scenes shot on location in Lagos. Rachel Dargavel, producer of Lizard, is producing the film under Element Pictures.
Mubi has already secured distribution rights for multiple territories, including North America, the U.K., Ireland, and Turkey.
The film is understood to be semi-autobiographical, exploring the relationship between a father and his two young sons over the course of a day in Lagos.
Dirisu, born to Nigerian parents, has gained recognition for his performances in His House, Mr. Malcolm’s List, Mothering Sunday, and Silent Night. He is represented by Markham, Froggatt & Irwin in the U.K. and WME in the U.S. Meanwhile, Davies is represented by Lark Management in the U.K.
