As she celebrates 30 years on screen, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is marking the milestone with her directorial debut, Mother’s Love.
The Nollywood star, with over 300 films to her credit, said the story was the right one to take full creative control of because it centres on the everyday relationship between mothers and daughters, a perspective she believes is rarely explored in depth.
“Most of the time when the story is told, it’s told from the angle of mothers yelling at their daughters to get married,” she said. “But the story is not told enough from the perspective of just relationship between mother and daughter.”
A Story Inspired By Real-Life Experiences
Inspired by true-life events, the film examines discipline, generational tension, and emotional gaps that surface when tragedy hits a family.
Omotola revealed that her personal experiences shaped the narrative, including the loss of her father.
“When there’s a loss in the family it affects everybody… Sometimes parents don’t remember it affects the children,” she said, stressing that parents must “catch the signs early.”
Exploring Grief And Family Dynamics
Through the characters of Labake and Adebisi, the film highlights how unresolved grief and parental decisions can shape a child’s emotional journey.
In the story, the parents fail to recognise the impact of their actions until the daughter reaches a breaking point.
Community Impact And Makoko Screening Plans
Beyond the screen, Omotola hopes the project will create a meaningful impact in Makoko, where plans are underway for a novelty football match and a special screening despite recent demolitions in the area.
“There’s never been a movie premiere in Makoko,” she noted. “Their story is our story.”
Inspiring The Next Generation
Reflecting on her three decades in Nollywood, Omotola said her move into directing is meant to inspire the next generation of creatives.
“Lose the fear. Don’t be afraid. It’s possible, I’m a living witness,” she said.
Mother’s Love will be released on March 6.
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