Chinazaekpere Chukwu’s Directorial Debut Her Daughters’ Mother Selected for Film Africa 2026

By On Oct 11, 2026

Nigerian filmmaker Chinazaekpere Chukwu is set to make her feature directorial debut with Her Daughters’ Mother, a drama that has been officially selected to screen at Film Africa 2026. The film is scheduled for an October 28 showing at the newly launched EbonyLife Place London.

A Story of Womanhood and Sacrifice

Ejovwoke Obas Olikuntuyi as Ejiro looking ahead with a pensive expression in Her Daughters Mother featuring Film Africa 2026 laurel

Described as a poignant Nigerian drama, Her Daughters’ Mother runs for 110 minutes and delves into themes of womanhood, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between mothers and daughters. Chukwu explained the emotional core of the project, saying it is intended to feel like a juxtaposition of Buchi Emecheta’s The Joys of Motherhood and Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀’s Stay With Me. She added that the film reaches deep into the rights of women, exploring how their lives are decided for them until the end—first by their families or spouses, and finally by their children.

The narrative highlights the quiet resilience and domestic weight carried by women across generations, set against the rich cultural backdrop of Benin. Filmed early this year, the dialogue is delivered in English, Pidgin, Urhobo, and Bini.

Plot and Characters

Silhouette of a character beside a boiling kettle in Her Daughters Mother featuring the Film Africa 2026 laurel

At the center of the story is 33-year-old Ejiro, played by Ejovwoke Obas Olikuntuyi. Married off at the tender age of 16, Ejiro returns home in her thirties as a widowed mother of two daughters, determined to secure a brighter future for them. With limited options, she enters a second marriage with Osato (Philip Asaya), a lorry driver who promises security and education for her girls in exchange for a male heir. However, when Ejiro struggles to fulfill his demands, Osato’s entitlement turns her life into a nightmare, leaving her longing for the freedom she last felt as a child.

Meanwhile, her eldest daughter Ejaita (Osas Okonyon), a bright 16-year-old dreaming of becoming a doctor, struggles against her mother’s overprotectiveness, unaware of the immense sacrifices being made on her behalf. The film boasts an exceptional cast, including Najite Dede and Adeoluwa Akintoba.

Behind the Scenes

Osas Okonyon playing Ejaita as she studies at the dining table in Her Daughters Mother.

Chukwu wrote the screenplay alongside Sunday Melvin Iwinosa, based on a story by Efosa Ogbomo. She collaborated with cinematographer Yinka Adegoke, executive producer and co-producer Efosa Ogbomo, and story consultant and editor Joshua Tsotso.

Chukwu’s transition to feature filmmaking follows her award-winning streak at the EbonyLife Creative Academy, where she graduated with the Best Director award for A Psalm for Abigail, as well as her standout short film Ti e Nbo, which screened in the Shorts category at AFRIFF in 2023.

Produced by One Child Grace Studio in association with C.A.N.O Productions, Uncut Gem Productions, and Nka Pictures, Her Daughters’ Mother promises to deliver a deeply moving, authentic Nigerian narrative that resonates across borders.