Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde's Mother’s Love Premiered at TIFF@50 Marks Her 30-Year Film Journey
- Sahndra Fon Dufe
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Toronto, Canada - September 11, 2025: Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde made history this week at the Toronto International Film Festival, where her directorial debut, Mother’s Love, screened as part of the official Industry Market program. The screening took place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at TIFF Lightbox Cinema 5, during the festival’s landmark 50th anniversary celebrations.
At the red carpet for the premiere of Mother's Love, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, affectionately known as "Omosexy," made a stunning and befitting statement for her directorial debut on a global stage. Dressed by Nigerian-Canadian ethnic classic brand OFUURE, her outfit was a showstopper.
She sported the timeless Rei Sequin Maxi Dress in Black Onyx, a sequined gown that captured the light and attention of the crowd. The dress, with its sleek silhouette and shimmering details, was elevated by a striking contrast: elegant white cuffs and a white collar that framed her neckline and wrists with a touch of modern sophistication.
The screening drew a remarkable audience that included some of the most respected names in African cinema and beyond. In the crowd was Dr. Shaibu Hussein, Director-General of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board, whose presence underscored official recognition of Nollywood’s growing international profile. Nearby, filmmaker Obi Emelonye leaned in during the Q&A, while producer Rogers Ofime was spotted exchanging notes with fellow creatives. Media personality Effe Tommy captured the mood with real-time commentary for his followers, while actors like Lala Akindoju, Linda Osifo, and OC Ukeje were there not just as colleagues but as witnesses to Omotola’s milestone moment. Supporting actress Lilian Afegbai, who shared the screen with her in Mother’s Love, spoke from the heart during the post-screening conversation.
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About Mother’s Love
Mother’s Love is a 102-minute Nigerian drama-thriller produced under RedHotConcepts directed by Omotola Jolade Ekeinde herself. Presented in English and Pidgin English, the film unpacks the enduring bond between a mother and daughter while exploring how grief and buried trauma shape family relationships.
During the post-screening conversation, Omotola revealed that the project was not originally planned. “I went home on vacation in Lagos,” she said, “and my friend, YouTube creator Ruth Kadiri, pulled me aside to say, ‘Mama, do you really know what’s going on here?’ That was the spark.”
She also spoke about filming in Makoko, the waterfront community often described as the “Venice of Africa.” “Makoko gave itself to us,” she said. “We knew we had to capture it before it disappeared. It was tough there are cliques and challenges but with the help of the NGO Slum2School and their founder Otto Orondaam, we were able to work with the community in a respectful way.”
While she had originally planned to focus solely on directing, Omotola was called upon to take on the role of the character Labike. She wore the part like a well-snug suit, delivering a performance that was as seamless as her directorial vision. With a sharp eye for casting, she instantly spotted the perfect actors for the other characters, including Noray Nehita, Olumide Owuru, and Lilian Afegbai (also in attendance).
Audiences in Toronto responded with warmth to the intimate storytelling, noting Omotola’s careful shift from acclaimed screen actress to filmmaker in her own right. Industry attendees praised the film's emotional honesty and clear ambition to place Nigerian stories within a global cinematic conversation.
UK-based director Obi Emelonye, known for films like Last Flight to Abuja, praised it as "a debut that deserves to be studied at Harvard."
For over 30 years, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has defined Nollywood’s rise, appearing in more than 300 films and earning accolades that include being named among TIME magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2013. With Mother’s Love, she has stepped behind the camera, underscoring her evolution from celebrated actress to storyteller, shaping her own narratives.
Speaking after the TIFF screening, Omotola shared:
“Marking my 30 years in film with the release of Mother’s Love at TIFF’s 50th anniversary is deeply symbolic. This film comes from a very personal place, and I’m grateful it resonated with an international audience.”
Stepping into the director’s chair with Mother’s Love marks a new phase in her professional arc. It’s not just a directorial debut; it is Omotola claiming narrative control, shaping story through her lens, after years of interpreting stories written and directed by others.
The conversation turned to casting while encouraging a young actor, where Omotola’s philosophy was clear. She dismissed the idea that follower counts or online popularity should drive opportunities.
She said firmly. “Back in old Nollywood, we didn’t care about numbers. We cared about connection. What matters is your craft. Be there for the right reasons. Love what you’re doing. Whether it’s a small project or a big one, some performances will stand out, and people will only remember you. That’s the truth.”
Her words resonated with the younger actors in the room. Lilian Afegbai added her own praise: “She became family to us on set. Working with her was one of the most amazing experiences of my career. She’s an actor’s director, and that’s rare in Nollywood.” Linda Osifo and OC Ukeje, seated in the audience, nodded in agreement as the hall broke into applause.
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde shared:
“After decades of bringing other people’s visions to life, I felt a compelling need to tell a story from my own perspective. Mother’s Love is about the unspoken sacrifices and the sometimes silent, resilient love that mothers give.”
For Ekeinde, this directorial debut is more than a career milestone—it's a celebration of a remarkable 30-year journey. The film stands as a testament to her evolution from Nollywood royalty to a global cultural force, marking a new chapter as a filmmaker ready to shape stories from behind the lens. Following its Lagos premiere in early 2026, the film will begin a global theatrical tour, with its release timed to Mother's Day to honor the universal themes at its core.
Credits
Read More About The Movie, Crew & Cast- IMDb
Mother’s Love at TIFF – Event Credits
Photography: Adebare Adedoyin & Kehinde Sonde
Styling/Designer: @ofuure
Makeup: @devatello_beauty
Content Creation: @capturedlyco
On-Ground Operations (TIFF): Foluke Odunlami @officialsupportpromos
Custom T-Shirts: @grandieu_prints
Festival & Industry Relations Director: Sahndra Fon Dufe (African Pictures International)
Team Lead: Francis Onelum, (Q4 Entertainment)