A TikTok video by @thenetng highlights Nollywood icon Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s successful transition to the director’s chair with her film “Mother’s Love.” The movie recently screened at the prestigious Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF) in Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone for the actress often referred to as “Omosexy.”
The film explores deep emotional themes and has been praised for its production quality and storytelling. This directorial debut comes after years of Omotola being one of the most bankable faces in African cinema, signaling her intention to shape the industry from behind the camera.
During the screening event, the actress-turned-director engaged with international audiences, discussing the challenges of bringing authentic Nigerian narratives to a global stage. The reception at PAFF suggests that her transition is being taken seriously by international critics and film enthusiasts.
This move follows the footsteps of other Nollywood veterans like Genevieve Nnaji and Funke Akindele, who have successfully pivoted to directing and producing. Omotola’s expansion into filmmaking adds another layer to her legacy as a pioneer of the “New Nollywood” era.
* Nigerian Entertainment Today: “Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde took Mother’s Love to Los Angeles this weekend… at the prestigious Pan African Film & Arts Festival.”
* Official PAFF Website/Socials: “Screening of ‘Mother’s Love’ directed by Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde was a highlight of our weekend showcase.”
Echotitbits take:
Omotola is playing the long game. By debuting her directorial work at a US-based festival rather than just a local cinema run, she is positioning herself for global streaming acquisitions (Netflix/Amazon). This is a masterclass in brand evolution; she isn’t just an actress anymore, she’s an auteur. Expect “Mother’s Love” to secure a major distribution deal within the next quarter.
Source: ThisDayLive — https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/02/14/omotola-marks-three-decades-in-nollywood-with-mothers-love/ February 24, 2026
Photo Credit: ThisDayLive
