The celebrated British-Nigerian filmmaker Akinola Davies Jr. has offered a captivating glimpse into his cinematic inspirations, unveiling a curated selection of his most cherished movie posters in a recent video released by Mubi. This insightful eleven-minute featurette, a collaboration with the esteemed poster collector site Posteritati, transcends a simple aesthetic appreciation, serving as a platform for Davies Jr. to expound on the films that have profoundly shaped his artistic vision. The release arrives at a pivotal moment for the director, following the critical acclaim and accolades showered upon his debut feature film, My Father’s Shadow.
A Director’s Pantheon: Unpacking Poster Art and Cinematic Legacy
Davies Jr.’s chosen posters represent a diverse and historically significant cross-section of global cinema. Each selection is more than just a visually striking piece of art; it’s a gateway to understanding the narrative power, thematic depth, and enduring impact of the films they represent. The director’s choices underscore a deep appreciation for the artistry involved in both filmmaking and its promotional materials, recognizing the poster’s crucial role in evoking atmosphere, hinting at plot, and ultimately drawing audiences into the cinematic experience.
The filmmaker meticulously unpacks the significance of each poster, connecting the visual language of the artwork to the core essence of the film it represents. This approach allows for a multi-layered exploration, where the visual design becomes a key to unlocking the thematic richness and emotional resonance of the cinematic work. The discussion not only highlights Davies Jr.’s personal cinematic heroes but also serves as an educational tool for cinephiles, offering insights into influential films that have left an indelible mark on the art form.
The Featured Films: Pillars of Cinematic Achievement
Among the esteemed films whose posters are dissected by Davies Jr. are:
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Elem Klimov’s Come and See (1985): This harrowing Soviet anti-war film is renowned for its unflinching portrayal of the horrors of World War II through the eyes of a young boy. The poster for Come and Seed is often stark and impactful, reflecting the film’s brutal realism and psychological intensity. Its inclusion speaks to Davies Jr.’s engagement with films that confront difficult truths and explore the profound psychological toll of conflict.
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Lila Avilés’ The Chambermaid (2018): This Mexican drama offers an intimate look at the life of a single mother working as a maid in a luxury Mexico City hotel. The film’s power lies in its subtle observation and empathetic portrayal of overlooked labor. The poster likely captures the film’s quiet dignity and the poignant solitude of its protagonist. Davies Jr.’s selection suggests an appreciation for films that champion social commentary through nuanced character studies.
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Hirokazu Koreeda’s Shoplifters (2018): This Palme d’Or-winning Japanese film explores themes of poverty, family, and morality through the lens of a group of petty criminals living on the fringes of society. Koreeda’s masterful storytelling often focuses on unconventional family structures, and the poster for Shoplifters would likely convey a sense of warmth and solidarity amidst hardship, hinting at the film’s complex emotional landscape.
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Mikhail Kalatozov’s I Am Cuba (1964): A visually breathtaking and politically charged Soviet film, I Am Cuba is celebrated for its innovative cinematography and sweeping scope. The film, which depicts the Cuban Revolution from four different perspectives, is a testament to the power of visual storytelling and ambitious filmmaking. Its poster would undoubtedly reflect its epic scale and revolutionary fervor.
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Gillo Pontecorvo’s The Battle of Algiers (1966): This seminal Italian-Algerian docudrama is a powerful and influential depiction of the Algerian War of Independence. Renowned for its neo-realist style and raw authenticity, the film’s poster would likely embody its urgent political message and the visceral struggle for liberation. Its inclusion by Davies Jr. highlights an engagement with films that are both artistically significant and politically resonant.
The common thread among these selections appears to be a commitment to powerful storytelling, social relevance, and distinctive visual aesthetics. These are films that have not only entertained but have also challenged audiences, sparked conversations, and contributed significantly to the cinematic canon.
The Context: My Father’s Shadow and Davies Jr.’s Rising Profile
The release of this video coincides with a significant period for Akinola Davies Jr. His debut feature film, My Father’s Shadow, has garnered considerable attention and critical praise since its premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The film, a semi-autobiographical narrative, is set against the backdrop of the 1993 Nigerian election crisis and explores a poignant father-son reunion amidst political unrest in Lagos.
My Father’s Shadow has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including a BAFTA Award for Outstanding Debut by a British Writer/Director, further solidifying Davies Jr.’s position as a significant new voice in international cinema. The film’s submission to the Academy Awards also marked a milestone, signaling its critical recognition on a global scale. Mubi’s distribution of the film in select theaters, commencing on February 6th, 2026, has provided audiences with an opportunity to experience this compelling work firsthand. The trailer, released previously, offered a compelling preview of the film’s evocative storytelling and its exploration of complex familial relationships within a turbulent socio-political landscape.
The screenplay, co-written by Davies Jr. and Wale Davies, and produced by Rachel Dargavel and Funmbi Ogunbanwo, has been lauded for its nuanced portrayal of Nigerian society and its universal themes of identity, reconciliation, and the enduring impact of history. Our review of the film from its Cannes debut highlighted its artistic merit and its potential to resonate deeply with audiences.
The Art of the Poster: More Than Just an Image
The partnership with Posteritati, a renowned repository of vintage and contemporary film posters, underscores the intentionality behind Davies Jr.’s discussion. Film posters are often the first visual introduction audiences have to a film. They are designed to capture attention, convey genre, and hint at the emotional and thematic core of the movie. For filmmakers, the poster can be an extension of their artistic vision, a condensed representation of the film’s essence.
The choices made by Davies Jr. suggest an appreciation for posters that are not merely decorative but are integral to the film’s identity. These are artworks that have managed to distill complex narratives and profound emotions into a single, compelling image. The dialogue between the filmmaker and the poster collector site creates a rich intersection of cinematic history and contemporary artistry, highlighting the enduring power of visual communication in the film industry.
Broader Implications: The Interplay of Art Forms
This initiative by Mubi and Posteritati, featuring Akinola Davies Jr., speaks to a broader trend of exploring the multifaceted nature of filmmaking. Beyond the screen, the promotional materials, the critical reception, and the personal inspirations of directors all contribute to the rich tapestry of cinema. By delving into his favorite movie posters, Davies Jr. is not only sharing his personal influences but also illuminating the symbiotic relationship between visual art and cinematic storytelling.
The video serves as a testament to the fact that a film’s impact can extend far beyond its runtime. The posters that accompany these cinematic journeys become artifacts of cultural memory, carrying with them the echoes of the stories they represent. For aspiring filmmakers and cinephiles alike, this exploration offers valuable insights into the elements that contribute to a film’s lasting legacy and the power of visual art to transcend its initial purpose. The conversation also highlights Mubi’s commitment to fostering a deeper appreciation for cinema, going beyond simple exhibition to engage with the art form’s historical and cultural dimensions. The success of My Father’s Shadow and Davies Jr.’s subsequent engagement with his cinematic influences suggest a promising future for the director and a continued elevation of diverse voices within the global film landscape.
