Nollywood film, ‘Her Daughters’ Mother’, selected for Film Africa 2026

Her Daughters' Mother graphics

Nollywood drama, ‘Her Daughters’ Mother’, has been selected for Film Africa 2026, scheduled to be held in London from October 23 to November 1

Women in the Arts (@winthearts) announced the selection in an Instagram post celebrating Chinazaekpere Chukwu’s feature directorial debut.

The post reads: “@gailchukwu is whoever she says she is and even more! Having your directorial debut go global is no small feat! We are super proud of you, queen”.

The 109-minute drama is scheduled to screen on Oct. 28 at EbonyLife Place London as part of the festival.

Written and directed by Chinazaekpere Chukwu, the film is set in Benin City, Edo, and explores motherhood, marriage and societal expectations surrounding the preference for male children.

It follows Ejiro, a woman married off at 16 who returns home in her thirties as a widow raising two daughters.

Seeking a more secure future for her children, Ejiro enters a second marriage, but her husband’s demand for a male heir creates difficulties.

The story also follows her eldest daughter, Ejaita, a teenager who dreams of becoming a doctor but struggles with her mother’s protectiveness.

The film stars Ejovwoke Olikuntuyi as Ejiro, alongside Osas Okonyon, Philip Asaya, Najite Dede and Adeoluwa Akintoba.

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It was produced by One Child Grace Studio in association with C.A.N.O Productions, Uncut Gem Productions and Nka Pictures.

Chukwu previously received the Best Director award at the EbonyLife Creative Academy for A Psalm for Abigail.

She also directed the 18-episode television series The Yard in 2025 and the short film Ti e Nbo, which premiered at the Africa International Film Festival in 2023.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Film Africa presented by the Royal African Society, showcases African and diaspora cinema through film screenings and related industry activities.

EbonyLife Place London is a cultural, entertainment and cinema destination founded by Nigerian media mogul Mo Abudu and the EbonyLife Group to promote African and Black storytelling.

The venue houses the 160-seat Amani Auditorium, dedicated to African and Black cinema, with programmes featuring film screenings, industry discussions and cultural events.

It extends the EbonyLife brand beyond Nigeria, where the original EbonyLife Place opened in Victoria Island, Lagos, in 2019.