Actress and filmmaker Stephanie Linus has sparked debate over filmmakers leveraging the Nigerian brand without fully identifying with its film industry. Speaking at the fifth Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference, Linus addressed the topic, “From Volume to Value: The Future of Nigerian Motion Picture Industry in the Digital Age.”

She specifically cited Akinola Jr. and Wale Davies’ film, My Father’s Shadow, saying it “doesn’t entirely identify with the Nigerian film industry” but rather uses the country’s name to promote itself. Linus pointed out that while the film has been hailed as the first Nigerian entry at Cannes, it was not a Nigerian production, only a story set in Nigeria.

She further revealed that the filmmakers ignored the Nigerian Oscar Selection Committee (NOSC) call for submissions and instead submitted the film via another country for consideration at the Oscars.