The European Film Awards (EFAs) announced feature film nominations today in Seville, Spain. Context: The EFAs (5,400 voters, founded 1988) are Europe’s Oscars and a key awards precursor. Last year’s winner, ANATOMY OF A FALL, went on to 5 Oscar noms, including Best Picture, winning Best Original Screenplay.
Africa-linked films in today’s announcement:
– MY FATHER’S SHADOW (UK-Nigeria) Dir: Akinola Davies Jr: First Nigerian film in Cannes Official Selection (Un Certain Regard).
Won Caméra d’Or Special Mention.
Semi-autobiographical debut set June 24, 1993—the day Nigeria’s first democratic election in 10 years was annulled. Two brothers spend one day in Lagos with their estranged father during political crisis. Shot on 16mm.
Premiered Cannes → TIFF → Nigerian release (FilmOne) → MUBI distribution → UK’s Oscar submission 2026
EFA: European Discovery (debut features)
– THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB (France-Tunisia) Dir: Kaouther Ben Hania (Tunisia): Tunisian filmmaker, 2x Oscar nominee (The Man Who Sold His Skin, Four Daughters—first North African/Arab woman with 2 Oscar noms).
Docudrama using actual 70-min audio of 5-year-old Palestinian girl Hind Rajab’s final calls to Red Crescent (Jan 29, 2024). Made in 12 months with family’s blessing.
Venice Grand Jury Prize. Record 23-min ovation (longest in festival history). San Sebastián highest audience score ever (9.52/10).
EPs: Brad Pitt, Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Alfonso Cuarón, Jonathan Glazer.
Self-distributed via WILLA, Dec 17 US release.
Tunisia’s Oscar submission 2026.
EFA: European Film
The winners of the 38th European Film Awards will be announced at a gala ceremony in Berlin, Germany, on 17 January 2026.
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