The Nairobi (NBO) Film Festival jury presented the 2025 Grand Jury Prize to ‘My Father’s Shadow’ by Akinola Davies (Nigeria), the first Nigerian film ever selected for Cannes.
The prize was awarded at the conclusion of the 10-day film event that celebrated film, dialogue, African storytelling and creativity. Running across three venues, Prestige Cinema, Kaloleni Social Hall and Unseen Nairobi, this year’s edition featured over 26 films from more than 15 countries, including world premieres, African debuts and acclaimed international titles.
Next year’s festival will take place from October 15-25, 2026, with submissions opening mid-February 2026.
Releasing a statement following the award, the Kenyan jury, comprising of Elsaphan Njora, Carol Kioko, Mūmbi Kaigwa and led by Jury President Wanuri Kahiu called the film a “poignant narrative about longing.”
“On behalf of the NBO jury, we thank the festival for honouring us with this role. We were truly impressed by the diverse and compelling collection of films presented in the inaugural competitive section of the NBO 2025 Film Festival,” the statement read. “After much deliberation, the jury unanimously chose to honour a film that deeply resonated with us, a poignant narrative about longing, the enduring bonds of family, and the profound yearning for a single day with one’s father. ‘My Father’s Shadow’ explores the intricate relationship between fathers and sons with remarkable tenderness and vulnerability, while capturing a pivotal moment in time when Nigeria’s hope for change powerfully overshadowed its doubts.”
Other standout titles at the festival included ‘How To Build A Library’ by Maia Lekow and Christopher King, ‘The Shadow Scholars’ by Eloise King, ‘Matabeleland’ by Nyasha Kadandara and ‘Memories of Love Returned’ by Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, among many other great titles. Audience-favourite Shorts, Shorts + Shots also returned for another lively edition at DocuBox, combining short films, music and social networking.
