From Nollywood royalty to director’s chair.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has conquered screens for over three decades, becoming one of Africa’s most recognisable faces — even landing a coveted spot on the TIME 100 list. But this month, she flipped the script. On September 6, at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), Omotola premiered her very first film as a director: Mother’s Love.
The debut screening took place at TIFF’s Lightbox 5, drawing a packed house of industry players — distributors, sales agents, and filmmakers curious to see what the superstar had crafted. For Omotola, who’s spent her career embodying other people’s stories, this was the moment to tell one of her own.
Mother’s Love is exactly what it sounds like: an intimate, deeply layered look at maternal strength and the quiet resilience of women. It zooms in on mother–daughter bonds, especially the complicated dynamics with first daughters, while also tackling grief, PTSD, and inequality. Emotional without being sentimental, it’s a story that feels personal yet universal.
The audience? A who’s-who of Nigerian film. NFVSB Director General Shuaibu Hussein was there, alongside filmmakers Obi Emelonye, Lonzo Nzekwe, and Charles Uwagbai. Omotola’s cast and crew — from Lilian Afegbai to Rogers Ofime, Oreoluwa Awolowo Nora, Oyin Debby, and Lala Akindoju — also showed up, with Nollywood favourites like Linda Osifo and OC Ukeje adding to the star power in the room.
The verdict? Overwhelmingly positive. UK-based director Obi Emelonye called it “a debut that deserves to be studied at Harvard” — the kind of praise most filmmakers would kill for on their first outing.
ABOVE: Omotola at Mother’s Love screening
Next stop is Lagos in early 2026, timed for a Mother’s Day release before going global. It’s a move that feels intentional — the film’s themes are bound to hit harder on that date.
And yes, Omotola isn’t just directing; she’s also in front of the camera, joined by Ifeanyi Kalu, Noray Nehita, Lilian Afegbai, Nosa Rex, and Olumide Oworu. The story follows a young woman from privilege who, during her NYSC year, leaves her bubble and is forced to reckon with identity, grief, and resilience — all anchored by her mother’s love.
