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Nollywood veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is set to challenge long-standing narratives around motherhood in Nigerian cinema with her upcoming film, Mother’s Love, marking her highly anticipated directorial debut.
Speaking during a recent interview on Yanga FM, Omotola openly criticized Nollywood’s limited exploration of mother-daughter relationships, describing it as a noticeable gap in the industry.
According to her, while many films focus on romance, conflict, or exaggerated family drama, very few truly examine the emotional depth and complexity that define relationships between mothers and their daughters.
“We don’t have too many films that explore or showcase the relationship between mothers and daughters,” she said, noting that the subject is deeply personal. Reflecting on her own journey into motherhood, Omotola admitted that discipline once defined her approach.
“I didn’t do a good job,” she said candidly, explaining that she initially equated parenting with control rather than emotional openness and understanding.
At the heart of Mother’s Love is Adebisi, a sheltered young woman raised in a wealthy but rigid household under the strict authority of her father.
Her life begins to change during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year, where distance from home allows her to experience independence for the first time. Through a friendship with a young man from a modest background, Adebisi starts to see herself and the world beyond the expectations placed on her.
However, the emotional centre of the film lies not in youthful rebellion but in the quiet strength of Adebisi’s mother. Initially portrayed as compliant and subdued, she gradually reveals resilience and resolve when her daughter’s safety and future are threatened.
As secrets emerge and unresolved grief surfaces, the story shifts into a powerful examination of maternal sacrifice, trauma, and survival within a patriarchal system.
The film tackles heavy themes including PTSD, social inequality, and unspoken loss, steering clear of sentimental portrayals often associated with motherhood in Nollywood. Omotola stars in the project alongside Ifeanyi Kalu, Olumide Oworu, and Noray Nehita, blending established talent with newer faces.
Beyond the film, Omotola also addressed Nollywood’s evolving marketing culture, criticizing the growing pressure on filmmakers to rely on viral dance trends for promotion.
While acknowledging changing times, she maintained that storytelling should remain central to cinema.
Mother’s Love premiered at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025, and is scheduled for nationwide cinema release in Nigeria on March 6, 2026. The film promises a grounded, emotionally honest portrayal of motherhood that could reshape how Nollywood tells women’s stories.
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