Introduction:
My short film, Daddy Daze, is a heartfelt dramedy (comedy drama) that explores the chaos and tenderness of fatherhood across generations. It captures the challenges of parenting, cultural clashes, gender roles and family bonds that can be messy and chaotic.
Inspiration:
The idea for Daddy Daze came from my own reflections on fatherhood and my relationship with my Nigerian heritage. I wanted to tell a story that shows both the comedy and the heartbreak in caring for a child while confronting the expectations of an older generation. It’s also the first time I’ve brought my own culture to the screen, something that felt both daunting and essential. At its heart, the film asks: what does it really mean to be a provider, a parent, and a man?
The Process:
Filming took place at a friend’s family home over a tight 2.5 days with a dedicated cast and crew. We received funding from the BFI Short Film Fund and thankfully managed to deliver the final product under budget due to the brilliant work of our producer, David Ajayi.
One of the biggest challenges was working around the unpredictability of having an infant on set. By the time of production, my own son had aged out of contention for this film, but I managed to beg my brother-in-law to allow his 18-month-old son to get his first screen credit. Nearing his wrap time, he started to cry, and I knew there was no better time than any to film the climax in that moment. Our leads, Dimeji and Femi, were brilliant enough to work within the chaos and unpredictability of an infant’s tantrum and volatile movements. The energy and collaboration of the team pulled us through.
For me, the highlight was seeing the painful but truthful dichotomy of having to parent your parents come vividly to life on screen. It was something that all cast and crew, regardless of race, ethnicity and gender, could relate to.
What It Means to Be a Finalist:
Being selected at the Worcester Film Festival is a huge honour. It’s humbling to know that a story so personal can resonate with wider audiences in this way. This recognition marks an important step in my journey as a filmmaker. As I continue to find my voice, it reassures me that the stories I’m telling have impact and meaning. It feels incredible. I wish I could bottle it and place it on my shelf. I wouldn’t even open it. I’d just look at it a couple of times a day as a reminder of what’s possible.
Where to Watch / Follow:
You can follow my journey on Instagram [@philossai, @theromcomguys and @towerblockpictures] for updates on Daddy Daze and my other projects. I create narratives about love, family and community.