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Celebrated Nigerian actor, producer, and casting director Kemi “Lala” Akindoju is marking two decades in Nollywood with a groundbreaking international achievement. As she celebrates 20 years in the film industry, Akindoju is also part of a historic moment for Nigerian cinema: contributing to the country’s first-ever official selection at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival.
The film, My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr., premiered in the Un Certain Regard section at the 77th Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2025. This selection marks a significant milestone for Nollywood, signaling its growing influence on the global stage. Akindoju served as both dialect coach and associate casting director on the project, ensuring the film’s cultural authenticity and linguistic precision.
My Father’s Shadow is a semi-autobiographical drama set in Lagos during the political turmoil surrounding the 1993 Nigerian elections. The story follows a father and his two sons as they navigate a day marked by unrest, tension, and family reckoning. The film’s emotionally rich narrative and strong visual storytelling have earned critical praise and spotlighted Nigerian filmmaking at an international level.
Akindoju’s involvement in the film is just the latest chapter in a career defined by creativity, excellence, and impact. Over the past 20 years, she has been at the forefront of Nollywood’s evolution, contributing to major projects as an actor, producer, and casting director. Her body of work includes the widely viewed Gangs of Lagos, the first African Original on Prime Video. Co-produced by Akindoju, the film earned over ₦230 million and ranked among the top 10 most-watched non-English language titles on the platform globally.
Another notable project, The Black Book, which she also produced, garnered international success on Netflix and further solidified her reputation as a leading force in African cinema. As a casting director, Akindoju has played key roles in globally recognized productions including the NAACP-nominated Eyimofe and Disney’s first Nigerian animated series, Iwaju.
Beyond her work on screen, Akindoju is a dedicated advocate for talent development in the Nigerian film industry. She founded Open Mic Theatre in 2011, a platform that has helped launch the careers of numerous Nollywood actors. In 2020, she introduced The Actors’ Blueprint Course, a mentoring program designed to support and guide emerging talent in the industry.
Her contributions have earned her international recognition. She is an alumna of the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program and a participant in the Berlinale Talents program, both of which spotlight creative leaders making significant cultural impact.
Now at Cannes, celebrating both her 20th anniversary in the industry and her contribution to a historic moment for Nigerian film, Akindoju reflects on the journey. “Marking 20 years in the industry at Cannes, with a film that represents a historic first for Nigeria, is profoundly humbling,” she said. “It reinforces my commitment to telling stories that resonate both locally and globally.”
Her presence at the festival not only celebrates personal milestones but also signals a broader shift in the global film landscape—one where Nigerian stories are gaining the recognition and respect they deserve. As Nollywood continues to rise, Kemi “Lala” Akindoju remains a vital voice at its heart, shaping its present and future with passion and purpose.
