---

Omotola’s Upcoming Film Aims to Rethink How Nollywood Tells Stories About Motherhood

Veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde is stepping into directing with a film that challenges how Nigerian movies portray mothers and daughters. Ahead of her debut project, Mother’s Love, she has spoken openly about what she believes is missing in Nollywood’s storytelling.

During a recent interview on Yanga FM, Omotola pointed out that very few Nigerian films truly explore the bond between mothers and daughters. She described the topic as deeply personal, explaining that it connects closely to her own experiences as a mother.

Reflecting on raising her first daughter, Omotola admitted she approached motherhood with strict discipline and very little emotional softness. Looking back, she said she did not fully understand the importance of emotional connection at the time, viewing parenting mainly through control rather than openness.

A Story Rooted in Family, Control, and Quiet Strength

Mother’s Love follows the life of Adebisi, a young woman raised in a wealthy but tightly controlled household. Her father’s authority shapes every part of her life, leaving her little room to express herself. Things begin to change when she leaves home for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), where physical distance gives her the freedom to start discovering her own identity.

While serving, Adebisi befriends a young man from a less privileged background. Through this relationship, she gains new perspectives on life and begins to question the limits placed on her by her family.

However, the heart of the film is not Adebisi’s journey toward independence, but her mother’s story. Initially portrayed as quiet and submissive, her mother gradually reveals inner strength when her daughter’s future and safety are at risk. As long-hidden secrets and emotional wounds come to the surface, the film shifts focus to themes of sacrifice, suppressed trauma, and the cost of surviving within a patriarchal family structure.

The film tackles heavy subjects such as post-traumatic stress, unresolved grief, and social inequality, moving far beyond the idealized, sentimental portrayals of motherhood often seen in Nigerian cinema.

Omotola’s First Time Behind the Camera

Mother’s Love marks a major milestone in Omotola’s career, as it is her first project as a director after decades of shaping Nollywood as an actress. She also stars in the film, alongside a blend of established and rising actors, including Ifeanyi Kalu, Olumide Oworu, and Noray Nehita.

Why Omotola Rejects Viral Marketing Pressure

Beyond discussing the film, Omotola also addressed the growing pressure on filmmakers and actors to promote movies through viral social media trends, especially dance videos on platforms like TikTok. She described the expectation as tiring and unnatural, saying it distracts from the essence of filmmaking.

While she made it clear that she doesn’t criticize those who choose that route, she emphasized that it is not a path she feels comfortable taking. According to her, everyone invests in their projects differently and should be free to promote their work in ways that align with their values.

Her comments come amid ongoing industry conversations about marketing strategies, following public debates between filmmakers over traditional storytelling versus viral promotion. Omotola’s position reflects a balanced view — she acknowledges the influence of social media but maintains clear personal boundaries.

Rethinking the Mother–Daughter Relationship in Nollywood

Omotola’s criticism of Nollywood’s portrayal of mothers is rooted in long-standing patterns. Mothers in many Nigerian films are often reduced to stereotypes — either endlessly prayerful and selfless or harsh and antagonistic. What is often missing is emotional nuance.

Rarely do films explore the complicated reality of mothers raising daughters in environments shaped by inequality, tradition, and personal trauma. Stories about regret, emotional distance, love mixed with resentment, and generational wounds are seldom told with honesty.

Mother’s Love attempts to fill this gap by presenting motherhood as a complex, evolving experience rather than a fixed moral role. By centering a mother-daughter relationship with depth and realism, the film has the potential to inspire more thoughtful portrayals of family dynamics in Nollywood.

Release Date and International Recognition

Mother’s Love, written, directed by, and starring Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, premiered globally at the 50th Toronto International Film Festival on September 6, 2025. The film is scheduled for nationwide cinema release across Nigeria on March 6, 2026.

---