Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde has premiered her much-anticipated directorial debut, Mother’s Love, marking a major feat as she celebrates 30 years in the Nigerian film industry.

The 102-minute drama-thriller, produced under RedHotConcepts and distributed by The Nile Group, explores themes of motherhood, sacrifice, resilience, wealth and survival.

Inspired by true events, the film follows Adebisi, a young woman from a sheltered and affluent background, whose life takes unexpected turns during her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year.

Combining storytelling with high-stakes drama, the project signals Omotola’s transition from celebrated actress to filmmaker.

The film first screened at the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) on September 6, 2025, as part of the Industry Market programme at TIFF Lightbox Cinema 5, where it was presented to international buyers and generated positive industry buzz.

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It subsequently screened at the Pan African Film Festival and the Silicon Valley African Film Festival, building momentum ahead of its Nigerian release.

The official trailer was released in February. In promoting the film, Omotola shared personal moments with her daughter, Meraiah Ekeinde, who makes her on-screen debut in the lead role of Adebisi.

Star-Studded Lagos Premiere

The exclusive Nigerian premiere was held on Sunday at Alliance Française in Ikoyi, Lagos, under the theme “Old Money Glam”. The event drew a distinguished crowd despite coinciding with the Silverbird Man of the Year Awards.

In a surprise appearance, former President Olusegun Obasanjo attended the premiere, lending an air of prestige to the evening.

In an interview with Channels Television, he described Omotola as a “national treasure” which should be preserved.

The red carpet was awash with vintage-inspired elegance, as guests donned pearls, fur stoles and tailored suits in keeping with the Old Money theme.

Among those in attendance were Sola Sobowale, Rita Dominic, Stephanie Okereke Linus, Segun Arinze, Bimbo Akintola, Ruth Kadiri, Dino Melaye and social media personality Toke Makinwa, among other industry figures, diplomats and business leaders.

One of the evening’s most emotional highlights was Omotola’s reunion with her daughter on stage, a moment that quickly went viral online as the pair shared a celebratory dance.

Speaking about her motivation, Omotola said she shot Mother’s Love “to empower bold storytelling and reflect real-life sacrifices.”

Mother’s Love opens in cinemas nationwide on March 6, 2026.