‘My Father’s Shadow’ Review: First Nigerian Film Selected For Competition Is A Moving Universal Story Of Fathers And Sons – Cannes Film Festival

** Acclaimed Filipino director Lav Diaz is taking on a rare acting role in the upcoming psychological horror film *The Sacrifice*, and we’ve just gotten our first look at him in character. The still shows Diaz as Pilo, a mysterious jungle guide, hinting at the eerie tone of the film. While he’s best known for his slow-burning, epic-length films behind the camera, Diaz has occasionally acted before—this time, though, it’s in a genre that’s a far cry from his usual work.

What This Mean: ** Lav Diaz is a heavyweight in global cinema, so seeing him step into a horror role—especially one that seems so atmospheric—is a big deal for film buffs. It’s not just about the novelty of a director acting; it’s about how his distinct artistic sensibility might shape a genre that thrives on tension and mood. Plus, with psychological horror having a major moment, this could be a fascinating collision of arthouse and genre filmmaking.

** Akinola Davies Jr.'s debut feature, *My Father’s Shadow*, isn’t just making waves as Nigeria’s first film ever selected for competition at Cannes—it’s also a deeply emotional, universally relatable story about fathers and sons. Premiering in the Un Certain Regard section, the film marks a milestone for Nigerian cinema while delivering a narrative that resonates far beyond borders.

What This Mean: ** This isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s a sign of Nigerian cinema’s growing global influence. For audiences, it’s a chance to see a fresh, heartfelt story that transcends geography, proving powerful storytelling can come from anywhere. For filmmakers, it’s a hopeful nudge that the industry’s doors are widening.

** The article slams Prime Video for pushing digital-only content while phasing out physical media like DVDs and Blu-rays—a move the author sees as greedy and consumer-unfriendly. It nostalgically praises the perks of physical copies (extras, shelf displays, no ads) and implies streaming services are sacrificing user experience for profit.

What This Mean: ** Physical media fans are fed up with corporations forcing them into ad-filled, rental-like digital ecosystems where they don’t truly "own" anything. This isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about control. If you’ve ever grumbled when a favorite show vanished from a platform, this fight matters to you.

** Nicole Kidman, speaking at a Cannes Film Festival panel, reflected on how her film *Babygirl* unexpectedly found a passionate audience through TikTok. She praised the power of social media in helping niche films connect with viewers, calling it "extraordinary." Kidman also gave a shoutout to Mascha Schilinski’s *Sound of Falling*, highlighting how digital platforms are reshaping how films gain traction—even outside traditional channels.

What This Mean: ** This isn’t just another celebrity soundbite—it’s a sign of how TikTok and other platforms are shaking up the film industry. When A-listers like Kidman acknowledge viral trends as legitimate pathways for discovery, it underscores a bigger shift: social media isn’t just for memes anymore; it’s becoming a crucial tool for filmmakers to bypass gatekeepers and reach audiences directly. For indie creators, that’s huge.

** The entertainment world is buzzing with a mix of drama and surprises. Aishwarya Rai and Abhishek Bachchan stole the spotlight with their viral wedding dance, while '90s star Anu Aggarwal reignited an old grievance about unpaid dues for *Aashiqui*. Meanwhile, Jacqueline Fernandez’s manager sparked outrage for shoving a fan, and Paresh Rawal’s exit from *Hera Pheri 3* left fans disappointed. To top it off, Shraddha Kapoor’s role in Ekta Kapoor’s upcoming project seems up in the air—so stay tuned for more twists.

What This Mean: ** Whether it’s nostalgic throwbacks, on-set drama, or unexpected career moves, Bollywood’s gossip mill never slows down. These updates give fans a peek behind the glitz—some heartwarming, some messy—but always entertaining. If you love keeping up with the stars, this roundup’s got a little bit of everything.