Akinola Davies Jr. Bridges Cultures at Projeto Paradiso

British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. was honored as the international guest of honor at the Projeto Paradiso National Talent Network gathering in Recife, Brazil. Josephine Bourgois, the initiative’s executive director, highlighted that Davies Jr.'s film, "My Father’s Shadow," resonates deeply with Brazilian audiences, suggesting it "could have been made by a Brazilian filmmaker." The film's themes of masculinity, particularly Black masculinity, were praised by Brazilian filmmakers, including Fernanda Lomba, who noted its "poetic and honest experience."

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During his visit, Davies Jr. screened "My Father’s Shadow" at Cinema São Luiz, reflecting on his first trip to Brazil. He described his experience in Salvador as "almost like a psychedelic experience," emphasizing the vivid emotions it evoked. He expressed a desire to premiere his film in Salvador, stating, “I wanted to give the audience in Salvador something that felt truly special.” This sentiment underscores his commitment to connecting with Brazilian audiences.

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The collaboration between Davies Jr. and Brazilian filmmakers is seen as a significant cultural exchange. Director Lucas Crystal and cinematographer Henrique Alves noted a "poetry in this geographical mirroring," highlighting the unexpected connections between Brazil and Nigeria. As Brazil approaches its presidential elections, they believe Davies Jr.'s work is particularly relevant. Davies Jr. expressed enthusiasm for potential Brazilian co-productions, stating, “There is a bridge to be built,” and acknowledged the vibrant Brazilian community in Lagos.

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Davies Jr. emphasized the importance of connecting with the diaspora, noting that the response to his film has been overwhelmingly positive. He believes that authentic storytelling resonates across borders, stating, “When you make an authentic piece of work, people in the diaspora can resonate with the film regardless of where they are.” This perspective aligns with Lomba's view that Davies Jr.'s visit marks the beginning of a long-awaited collaboration between Brazilian and African filmmakers.

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Davies Jr. advocates for increased collaboration and resource sharing among filmmakers globally. He pointed out that while Anglophone cinema often dominates discussions, there are significant underserved communities, including Francophone, Caribbean, and Latin American filmmakers. He stressed the need for more connections to foster a richer global cinematic landscape.

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• “‘My Father’s Shadow’ brings such a poetic and honest experience about masculinity, and particularly Black masculinity, to Brazil,” — Fernanda Lomba, Filmmaker

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• “It would be incredible to figure out the right relationship.” — Akinola Davies Jr.

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• “part of a certain Black zeitgeist, a moment where creative and business connections are heating up between Brazilian and African filmmakers thanks to a shared cultural imaginary. I believe we are witnessing the beginning of a long-awaited collaboration.” — Fernanda Lomba, Filmmaker

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• “I think for so much of the world, especially the Anglophone world, we look towards the U.K. and the U.S. and suddenly that seems to dominate the conversation, but there is a huge underserved Francophone community, there’s a Caribbean community, a Latin American community… We just need to figure out more ways of connecting.” — Akinola Davies Jr.

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This event not only showcases Davies Jr.'s work but also highlights the potential for future collaborations that bridge cultural divides, enriching both Brazilian and Nigerian cinema.

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