Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has officially stepped behind the camera, unveiling her highly anticipated directorial debut, Mother’s Love.
The actress, who has been a household name in Nigeria’s film industry for nearly three decades, revealed that the project was born out of a desire to tell more intimate and socially relevant stories, particularly those centred on the experiences of young Nigerian women.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the film, Omotola described Mother’s Love as a deeply personal project that draws on real-life events.
“Mother’s Love is more than a film to me; it’s a deeply personal journey. As my directorial debut, it draws inspiration from real experiences, not just my own, but from the many untold stories of young Nigerian women finding their place in a complex world,” she said.
According to the actress, the film is a coming-of-age drama that challenges privilege, confronts identity, and celebrates the quiet power of women redefining their lives on their own terms.
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Set against the colourful and sometimes chaotic backdrop of modern-day Nigeria, the narrative explores themes of growth, resilience, and emotional awakening.
“This film is performance-led, emotionally grounded, and socially aware,” Omotola explained. “It speaks to universal themes of family, resilience, and empowerment while offering a lens into contemporary Nigerian life rarely seen on screen. I believe authentic and bold stories like this deserve a global platform, and I’m honoured to share it with audiences ready to embrace something both intimate and impactful.”
Omotola, fondly called “Omosexy” by fans, is one of Nollywood’s most celebrated actresses, with over 300 film credits to her name and a career that spans more than 25 years.
Her transition into directing marks a new chapter, one that reflects the evolution of Nollywood itself, from its roots in straight-to-video productions to today’s cinematic features that are gaining global attention through streaming giants like Netflix and Prime Video.
Industry observers say Omotola’s decision to direct is significant. It signals a trend of established actors stepping into filmmaking to take more creative control over the stories they tell. Her choice to focus on socially conscious storytelling aligns with the growing demand for authentic Nigerian narratives that resonate both locally and internationally.
With Mother’s Love, Omotola not only expands her creative repertoire but also contributes to Nollywood’s ongoing efforts to elevate its storytelling and production quality.
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The film’s emphasis on character-driven drama and socially relevant themes is expected to resonate with audiences who crave deeper, more reflective narratives.
For Omotola, Mother’s Love is not just a film but a statement of purpose, a celebration of Nigerian womanhood, resilience, and the power of authentic storytelling.
