Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde took Mother’s Love to Los Angeles this weekend, where the film screened at the prestigious Pan African Film & Arts Festival (PAFF).
The screening comes after successful showings at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) and the Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF). Now in its 34th year, PAFF remains one of the most respected platforms for African and diaspora cinema, making it a fitting stage for Omotola’s directorial debut. The Los Angeles showcase forms part of the film’s global rollout ahead of its Nigerian premiere on March 1 and nationwide cinema release on March 6, 2026.
The screening drew a vibrant crowd. Among those in attendance were Haitian actor Jimmy Jean-Louis, Ose Oyamedan of Nollywood in Hollywood, Ashkan Tabitha of 90210 Network, and Dami Kujembola of Amplify Africa, alongside other creatives and supporters of African storytelling. Omotola, who recently celebrated 30 years in film and is a TIME 100 honouree, travelled in for the event with her sons, Matthew and Michael Ekeinde.
Mother’s Love is a powerful exploration of maternal strength across social classes. The story follows a young woman raised in privilege who, during her NYSC year, steps beyond the comfort of her sheltered upbringing and encounters a new world that challenges her identity and beliefs.
The film stars Omotola alongside Ifeanyi Kalu, Noray Nehita, Lilian Afegbai, Nosa Rex and Olumide Oworu.
