Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde premiered her directorial debut “Mother’s Love” at the Pan African Film Festival in Los Angeles, drawing a crowd of diaspora creatives including Jimmy Jean-Louis and Dami Kujembola.
Following its screening at SVAFF and TIFF, the film will premiere in Nigeria on March 1 and release nationwide on March 6, 2026. As PAFF celebrates its 34th year, it remains a prominent platform for African and diaspora cinema.
“Mother’s Love” offers a powerful examination of maternal resilience and strength, bridging social divides. The film navigates the intricate relationships between mothers and daughters, particularly first-born daughters, and addresses themes of grief, PTSD, and social stratification.
The screening drew a dedicated audience, undeterred by the rain, with notable attendees including Jimmy Jean-Louis, Ose Oyamedan, Ashkan Tabitha, and Dami Kujembola, as well as other creatives from the diaspora and supporters of African cinema.
The film explores the journey of a young woman raised in privilege who, during her NYSC year, steps out of her comfort zone to find purpose, strength, and identity, with the enduring love of her mother as her guide. The cast features Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Ifeanyi Kalu, Noray Nehita, Lilian Afegbai, Nosa Rex, and Olumide Oworu.
Omotola celebrated thirty years in film and attended the festival to represent her project. Her sons Matthew and Michael Ekeinde joined her.
After stops at Dubai International Film Festival, SVAFF, and TIFF, Mother’s Love earns global recognition before its Nigerian release this March.
See photos from the screening below:
