Nigerian filmmaker Chinazaekpere Chukwu debuts her first feature, Her Daughters’ Mother, at Film Africa 2026’s London screening, showcasing a powerful tale of motherhood.
Key Takeaways
- Chinazaekpere Chukwu’s first feature, Her Daughters’ Mother, screens at Film Africa 2026 in London on 28 October.
- The 110‑minute drama explores womanhood, sacrifice and inter‑generational bonds, using English, Pidgin, Urhobo and Bini languages.
- Lead cast includes Ejovwoke Obas Olikuntuyi (Ejiro), Osas Okonyon (Ejaita) and Philip Asaya (Osato).
- Screenplay co‑written by Chukwu and Sunday Melvin Iwinosa, story by Efosa Ogbomo; cinematography by Yinka Adegoke.
- Produced by One Child Grace Studio with C.A.N.O, Uncut Gem and Nka Pictures, aiming for wider festival and distribution reach.
Film Africa 2026 London Screening Details
The 110‑minute drama will premiere on 28 October at the newly launched EbonyLife Place London, the flagship venue for the annual Film Africa showcase. Film Africa 2026 brings together African storytellers and global buyers, and the London slot marks the first time a Nigerian‑language‑rich feature has been programmed at the venue.
Organisers say the screening aims to position Nollywood’s evolving narratives on a world‑stage, offering distributors a glimpse of a story that weaves English, Pidgin, Urhobo and Bini dialogue into a single cinematic experience.
Plot and Themes Explored
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Her Daughters’ Mother follows 33‑year‑old Ejiro (Ejovwoke Obas Olikuntuyi), married off at sixteen, who returns home a widowed mother of two. To secure her daughters’ education she enters a second marriage with lorry driver Osato (Philip Asaya), who demands a male heir. When Ejiro cannot meet his expectations, the union spirals into oppression, prompting her to recall the freedom of her own childhood.
The film’s thematic core mirrors Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood and Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀’s Stay With Me, probing how women’s lives are shaped by family, spouses and, ultimately, their children. It highlights quiet resilience, domestic weight, and the inter‑generational sacrifice that defines many Nigerian households.
Cast and Crew Highlights
Lead actress Ejovwoke Obas Olikuntuyi delivers a nuanced performance as Ejiro, while Osas Okonyon portrays her ambitious daughter Ejaita, a sixteen‑year‑old dreaming of a medical career. Philip Asaya, Najite Dede and Adeoluwa Akintoba round out a cast that brings authenticity to the Benin‑set story.
Behind the camera, Chinazaekpere Chukwu co‑wrote the screenplay with Sunday Melvin Iwinosa, adapting a story by Efosa Ogbomo. Yinka Adegoke handled cinematography, and Efosa Ogbomo served as executive producer and co‑producer. Joshua Tsotso contributed as story consultant and editor, ensuring the narrative’s cultural fidelity.
Production Journey and Future Prospects
Chinazaekpere Chukwu earned the Best Director award at the EbonyLife Creative Academy for her short A Psalm for Abigail and previously screened Ti e Nbo at AFRIFF 2023. Her transition to feature filmmaking reflects a broader push by emerging Nigerian directors to tell locally rooted yet globally resonant stories.
Her Daughters’ Mother is produced by One Child Grace Studio in partnership with C.A.N.O Productions, Uncut Gem Productions and Nka Pictures. The team hopes the Film Africa exposure will attract further festival invitations and distribution deals across Europe and North America. For more on Nigerian talent breaking borders, see our coverage of Ayra Starr’s historic NFL halftime performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where will Her Daughters’ Mother be screened?
The film premieres on 28 October 2026 at EbonyLife Place London as part of the Film Africa 2026 programme.
What languages are spoken in the film?
Dialogue is delivered in English, Nigerian Pidgin, Urhobo and Bini, reflecting the multicultural setting of Benin.
Who are the main creative forces behind the project?
Director Chinazaekpere Chukwu co‑wrote the script with Sunday Melvin Iwinosa; the story originates from Efosa Ogbomo, with cinematography by Yinka Adegoke.
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