By Goldmark Pentho Dansu The ancient town of Badagry is abuzz with pride as one of its own, Viyon Awhanse, plays a key behind-the-scenes r...
By Goldmark Pentho Dansu
The ancient town of Badagry is abuzz with pride as one of its own, Viyon Awhanse, plays a key behind-the-scenes role in the internationally celebrated film My Father’s Shadow, which recently premiered at the prestigious 2025 Cannes Film Festival.
While earlier reports highlighted Awhanse’s on-screen contributions, it has now come to light that his impact on the film was even more profound off-camera. As a vital crew member, his work helped shape the film’s powerful story into a cinematic experience worthy of global acclaim. His role underscores the indispensable contributions of crew members in filmmaking—a reality often overlooked but crucial to the magic of cinema.
For Awhanse, Cannes represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard-earned experience in Nigeria’s film industry. A native of Badagry—a town rich in history and culture—he has built a name for himself through tireless work in various roles including producer, director, and production manager. His rise from grassroots filmmaking to the global spotlight is a powerful inspiration for the next generation of Nigerian storytellers.
My Father’s Shadow, directed by Akinola Davies Jr. and co-written with his brother Wale Davies, premiered on May 18, 2025, under the prestigious Official Selection of the Cannes Film Festival—a historic first for any Nigerian film. Set in Lagos during the tense aftermath of Nigeria’s 1993 annulled elections, the semi-autobiographical drama follows an estranged father, Folarin (played by Sope Dirisu), who takes his two sons on a deeply emotional journey through a city in turmoil. The film’s exploration of fatherhood, national identity, and political uncertainty has earned it nominations for both the Un Certain Regard and the Caméra d'Or awards at Cannes.
The success of My Father’s Shadow is also a triumph for Nigerian cinema, signaling the country’s growing influence on the global film stage. For Awhanse, this moment is a personal milestone and a powerful reminder of the value of dedication, even in roles that don’t appear on the marquee.
Beyond his work on this Cannes contender, Awhanse is an accomplished filmmaker with an impressive résumé. He directed the short film Sèblá (2022), produced Peaceville (2024), and has managed production on numerous TV series and films, including The Origin: Madam Koi-Koi (2023), One Good Night (2022), and Jemeji (2017–2018). His work spans nearly 1,000 episodes of television for networks like Multichoice Nigeria and Movistar Spain.
But Awhanse’s influence extends beyond film sets. He is the founder and Festival Director of the Badagry International Film, Cultural and Sports Festival (BIFIF), a platform he uses to promote creative talent and cultural pride in his hometown. Through initiatives like “Meet Your Mentors,” he actively nurtures local creatives, providing training, exposure, and mentorship opportunities. He’s also a known community advocate working across anglophone and francophone West Africa, using cinema as a tool to tell impactful stories that inspire change.
With a degree in Economics and over a decade of experience in media and communications, Awhanse is more than just a filmmaker—he’s a movement. A voice for youth, a builder of bridges, and a believer in the power of stories to heal, educate, and uplift.
As My Father’s Shadow continues to turn heads at Cannes, the spotlight rightfully shines on Viyon Awhanse—not just for his technical excellence, but for his unwavering belief in the potential of Nigerian cinema and its storytellers. His journey is a testament to what’s possible when talent, purpose, and passion meet—and proof that even those behind the camera can leave a lasting imprint on the world stage.
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