The Nollywood film 'Her Daughters' Mother' has been selected for Film Africa 2026, a festival scheduled to take place in London from October 23 to November 1. The film, directed by Chinazaekpere Chukwu, is a 109-minute drama that explores themes of motherhood, marriage, and societal expectations. It tells the story of Ejiro, a woman who returns home as a widow and enters a second marriage, only to face difficulties due to her husband's demand for a male heir.
The film follows Ejiro's journey as she navigates her new marriage and raises her two daughters. Her eldest daughter, Ejaita, 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. It was produced by One Child Grace Studio in association with C.A.N.O Productions, Uncut Gem Productions, and Nka Pictures.
Chinazaekpere Chukwu's feature directorial debut has been met with celebration from Women in the Arts, who announced the selection on Instagram. The film is set to screen on October 28 at EbonyLife Place London as part of the festival. 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.
Film Africa, presented by the Royal African Society, showcases African and diaspora cinema through film screenings and related industry activities. The festival aims to promote African culture and provide a platform for African filmmakers to showcase their work. This year's festival will feature a range of films, including 'Her Daughters' Mother', which explores themes relevant to African society.
Chinazaekpere Chukwu has previously received recognition for her work, including 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.
EbonyLife Place London is a significant venue for African and Black cinema, with a 160-seat auditorium dedicated to showcasing films and hosting industry discussions. The venue extends the EbonyLife brand beyond Nigeria, where the original EbonyLife Place opened in Victoria Island, Lagos, in 2019. The selection of 'Her Daughters' Mother' for Film Africa 2026 is a testament to the film's quality and relevance.
The selection of 'Her Daughters' Mother' for Film Africa 2026 is a notable achievement for Chinazaekpere Chukwu and the film's production team. The film's themes of motherhood, marriage, and societal expectations are relevant to audiences globally, and its selection for the festival provides a platform for it to reach a wider audience.
Key points
- The film 'Her Daughters' Mother' explores themes of motherhood, marriage, and societal expectations surrounding the preference for male children.
- The film is set to screen on October 28 at EbonyLife Place London as part of Film Africa 2026.
- Chinazaekpere Chukwu's feature directorial debut has been celebrated by Women in the Arts on Instagram.
