**Executive Summary**
The 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) has conferred the Special Jury Award, known as the Silver Peacock, to Akinola Davies Jr. for his film "My Father's Shadow" from the UK and Nigeria. The award, presented on November 28, 2025, recognizes exceptional excellence in filmmaking. The director receives a Silver Peacock, a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000, and a certificate.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Award Details:**
* Akinola Davies Jr. wins the Special Jury Award (Silver Peacock) for "My Father's Shadow".
* The film was selected from 15 international titles in the competition.
* The award recognizes outstanding cinematic craft and the director's artistic vision.
* The director receives a Silver Peacock, a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000, and a certificate.
* **Award Presentation:**
* The award was presented by CM Goa, Shri. Pramod Sawant and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan.
* The award was presented in the presence of Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, IFFI Jury Chairperson Shri. Rakesh Omprakash Mehra and Festival Director Shri. Shekhar Kapur.
* **Film Synopsis:**
* "My Father's Shadow" is a semi-autobiographical tale set in Lagos during the 1993 Presidential election.
* It follows two young brothers as they spend a day with their estranged father to collect a delayed salary.
* The film explores the complex bond within the family amidst political turmoil.
* The film captures themes of love, absence, and reconciliation.
* **IFFI Details:**
* IFFI 2025 took place November 20–28 in Goa.
* IFFI is South Asia's oldest and largest film festival, jointly hosted by NFDC, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, and ESG.
**Impact Analysis**
**Akinola Davies Jr. (Director)**
* **Impact:**
* Receives prestigious recognition for directorial and cinematic excellence in "My Father's Shadow."
* Receives a Silver Peacock trophy, a cash prize of Rs. 15,00,000, and a certificate.
* **Action Required:**
* Continue to produce innovative and boundary-pushing films.
**IFFI (International Film Festival of India)**
* **Impact:**
* Reinforces its position as a significant platform for showcasing global cinema and emerging filmmaking talent.
* Celebrates excellence in global storytelling and creative strength of filmmakers.
* **Action Required:**
* Maintain its commitment to recognizing and celebrating remarkable works of cinema.
**Film Industry/Filmmakers**
* **Impact:**
* The award serves as an inspiration for filmmakers to push creative boundaries and explore complex themes.
* **Action Required:**
* Participate in future IFFI editions and submit films for consideration.
Key Entities Referenced
International Film Festival of India (IFFI): Annual film festival that awards the Silver Peacock Special Jury Award.
My Father's Shadow: A film by Akinola Davies Jr that won the Silver Peacock - Special Jury Award at the 56th IFFI.
Silver Peacock - Special Jury Award: Prestigious accolade awarded at IFFI for excellence in filmmaking.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting: Government body presenting the award at IFFI.
Goa: Location of the International Film Festival of India.
✨ IFFI closes but never ends…
Akinola Davies Jr Wins Silver Peacock - Special Jury Award for ‘My
Father’s Shadow’
Jury Lauds the Excellent Screenplay and Superb Performances
A Film that Explores the Complex Bond with Family Amidst Political Turmoil
#IFFIWood, 28 November 2025
Akinola Davies Jr has been conferred with the Special Jury Award at the 56th International Film
Festival of India for his powerful and evocative film ‘My Father’s Shadow,’ from the UK and Nigeria.
The film stood out among the 15 titles in IFFI’s international competition, earning recognition for its
outstanding cinematic craft and the director’s distinctive artistic vision. The award was presented by
CM Goa, Shri. Pramod Sawant and Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting and
Parliamentary Affairs Dr. L. Murugan in the presence of Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of
Information & Broadcasting, IFFI Jury Chairperson Shri. Rakesh Omprakash Mehra and Festival
Director Shri. Shekhar Kapur.
The IFFI Special Jury Award, officially known as the Silver Peacock – Special Jury Award, is presented
to a film that the Jury believes demonstrates exceptional excellence in any aspect of filmmaking. This
prestigious accolade is bestowed upon the Director and carries a Silver Peacock, a cash prize of Rs.
15,00,000, and a Certificate.
The Jury remarked, " Against the backdrop of the chaotic 1993 Presidential election in Nigeria, where
the indomitable human spirit stood up against the violent suppression, Folarin takes his two young
sons to Lagos to collect a delayed salary. An excellent screenplay and superb performances fromdesperate father and confused, at times frightened boys, capture themes of love, parenting, absence
and reconciliation. Intimate moments and small gestures are at the heart of this film’s warm
embrace.”
By recognising ‘My Father’s Shadow,’ IFFI celebrates a remarkable work of global storytelling and the
creative strength of filmmakers pushing the boundaries of contemporary cinema.
🏆Special Jury Award at #IFFI2025 goes to Akinola Davies Jr. for his film
'My Father’s Shadow'#IFFIGoa #IFFI2025 #IFFI56 pic.twitter.com/ZpBXg70
V1N
— PIB in Goa 🇮🇳 (@PIB_Panaji) November 28, 2025
Synopsis of My Father’s Shadow
A semi-autobiographical tale set over the course of a single day in the Nigerian capital Lagos during
the 1993 Presidential election. The film follows two young brothers, Akin and Remi, as they spend a
day with their estranged father Folarin, during their travel through the chaotic city to collect a delayed
salary. Through intimate moments and small gestures, the film explores the complex bond with the
family amidst political turmoil. It realistically capture themes of love, absence and reconciliation.
PC Link of My Father’s ShadowPPrreessss CCoonnffeerreennccee ooff tthhee mmoovviieess MMootthheerr''ss BBaabbyy aann……
About IFFI
Born in 1952, the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands tall as South Asia’s oldest and
largest celebration of cinema. Jointly hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC),
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India and the Entertainment Society of Goa
(ESG), State Government of Goa, the festival has grown into a global cinematic powerhouse—where
restored classics meet bold experiments, and legendary maestros share space with fearless first-
timers. What makes IFFI truly sparkle is its electric mix—international competitions, cultural
showcases, masterclasses, tributes, and the high-energy WAVES Film Bazaar, where ideas, deals and
collaborations take flight. Staged against Goa’s stunning coastal backdrop from November 20–28, the
56th edition promises a dazzling spectrum of languages, genres, innovations, and voices—an
immersive celebration of India’s creative brilliance on the world stage.
For more information, click on:
IFFI Website: https://www.iffigoa.org/
PIB’s IFFI Microsite: https://www.pib.gov.in/iffi/56/
PIB IFFIWood Broadcast Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaEiBaML2AU
6gnzWOm3F
X Handles: @IFFIGoa, @PIB_India, @PIB_Panaji
* * *
PIB IFFI CAST AND CREW | Ritu Shukla/Sangeeta Godbole/Nikhitha A. S./Darshana Rane
| IFFI 56 - 123
Great films resonate through passionate voices. Share your love
for cinema with #IFFI2025, #AnythingForFilms and
#FilmsKeLiyeKuchBhi. Tag us @pib_goa on Instagram, and we'll
help spread your passion! For journalists, bloggers, and vloggerswanting to connect with filmmakers for interviews/interactions,
reach out to us at iffi.mediadesk@pib.gov.in with the subject
line: Take One with PIB.
रलीज़ आईडी: 2196176 | Visitor Counter: 513
इस वज्ञ को इन भाषाओ ंम पढ़: Urdu , Marathi , ही , Punjabi , Kannada , Malayalam
/PIBPanaji /pib_goa /PIBPanaji /PIBGoa
iffi.mediadesk@pib.gov.in
More IFFI Stories View on PIB Website