premiere” width=”2048″ height=”2560″ sizes=”(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px” srcset=”https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MAASFILE-79-scaled.jpg 2048w, https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MAASFILE-79-240×300.jpg 240w, https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MAASFILE-79-480×600.jpg 480w, https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MAASFILE-79-768×960.jpg 768w, https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MAASFILE-79-1229×1536.jpg 1229w, https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MAASFILE-79-1638×2048.jpg 1638w, https://www.bellanaija.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MAASFILE-79-600×750.jpg 600w” />
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, a luminary in African cinema with a career spanning over 30 years and recognition on the prestigious TIME 100 list, has embraced a fresh creative path. On September 6, 2025, she unveiled her first film as a director, “Mother’s Love”, at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), signaling a bold new phase in her artistic journey.
The debut screening took place at TIFF’s Lightbox 5, attracting a diverse crowd of film distributors, sales agents, and industry professionals eager to witness the vision of this Nollywood trailblazer. For Omotola, who has been a defining presence in African storytelling, this project offered a unique opportunity to narrate a tale from her own perspective.
“Mother’s Love” delves deeply into the strength and perseverance of motherhood, portraying the subtle yet powerful impact mothers have across various social backgrounds. The narrative centers on the complex dynamics between mothers and their eldest daughters, while also addressing poignant issues such as trauma, emotional healing, and societal disparities.
The premiere was graced by notable figures including Nigeria’s NFVSB Director General Shuaibu Hussein, alongside esteemed filmmakers like Obi Emelonye, Lonzo Nzekwe, and Charles Uwagbai. The event also saw the presence of key contributors to the film such as supporting actress Lilian Afegbai, producers Rogers Ofime and Oreoluwa Awolowo Nora, screenwriter Oyin Debby, and casting director and actor Lala Akindoju. Familiar Nollywood stars including Linda Osifo and OC Ukeje were among the attendees, joined by friends and supporters celebrating Omotola’s milestone.
The film received enthusiastic acclaim, with UK-based director Obi Emelonye praising it as “a debut worthy of academic study at Harvard,” underscoring the significance and depth of Omotola’s first directorial effort.
Scheduled for a Lagos premiere in early 2026, followed by an international rollout, the film’s release is timed to coincide with Mother’s Day, enhancing its emotional resonance. For Omotola, this project not only marks a new creative achievement but also honors her evolution from a Nollywood icon to a global cultural influencer.
At its essence, “Mother’s Love” narrates the journey of a young woman from an affluent background who, during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, ventures beyond her comfort zone to uncover inner strength, self-awareness, and a sense of purpose-all nurtured by the unwavering support of her mother’s affection.
The cast features Omotola herself, alongside Ifeanyi Kalu, Noray Nehita, Lilian Afegbai, Nosa Rex, and Olumide Oworu.
Explore moments from the premiere below:
0 Comments