‘Her Daughters’ Mother’ Selected for Film Africa 2026

 

By Atlantic Reports

Nollywood drama Her Daughters’ Mother has been selected for Film Africa 2026, bringing Chinazaekpere Chukwu’s feature directorial debut to the London festival.

The 109-minute film is scheduled to screen on 28 October at EbonyLife Place London. The festival runs from 23 October to 1 November.

Women in the Arts announced the selection in an Instagram post celebrating Chukwu’s achievement.

Written and directed by Chukwu, the drama is set in Benin City, Edo State, and examines marriage, motherhood and the pressures placed on women in families that prioritise male children.

It follows Ejiro, who was married off at 16 and returns home in her thirties as a widow raising two daughters. Hoping to secure a better future for her children, she enters another marriage, but her husband’s demand for a male heir creates new difficulties.

Alongside Ejiro’s story is that of her eldest daughter, Ejaita, a teenager who dreams of becoming a doctor while struggling with her mother’s protectiveness.

Through their relationship, the film explores the tension between a mother’s desire to protect her children and a daughter’s pursuit of independence and opportunity.

Ejovwoke Olikuntuyi plays Ejiro, with a cast that also includes Osas Okonyon, Philip Asaya, Najite Dede and Adeoluwa Akintoba.

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

Chukwu’s previous work includes A Psalm for Abigail, for which she received the Best Director award at the EbonyLife Creative Academy.

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.

Presented by the Royal African Society, Film Africa showcases African and diaspora cinema through screenings and related industry activities.

The screening venue, EbonyLife Place London, was founded by Mo Abudu and the EbonyLife Group to promote African and Black storytelling. It houses the 160-seat Amani Auditorium and hosts film screenings, industry discussions and cultural events.

The festival selection gives Her Daughters’ Mother a platform to bring its story of maternal responsibility, family expectations and girls’ aspirations to audiences beyond Nigeria.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.