The Story⚡
This weekend, Nigerian cinemas feature a lineup of three distinct Nollywood films: Onobiren by Laju Iren, Mother’s Love by Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, and Kilanko by Rotimi Salami, each drawing on themes of personal strength, family bonds, and cultural identity to attract varied audiences.
Tell Me More
Nollywood’s March cinema season opened with releases that span inspirational drama, family introspection, and indigenous storytelling. On March 6, 2026, audiences in Nigeria gained access to these films.
Onobiren: A Woman’s Story
Laju Iren, known for her work in Christian media production, brings Onobiren: A Woman’s Story to theaters as her first major cinema project. Written by Iren and directed by Famous Odion Iraoya, the film follows Roli, a young woman from the Itsekiri riverine communities in Warri, Delta State, who relocates to Lagos. Her journey evolves from routine challenges into one of self-discovery, fueled by her cultural roots in fishing and the support of other women. The narrative emphasizes resilience, faith, and womanhood, drawing from authentic Okrika-Ijaw elements in costumes, music, and settings filmed in Warri and Lagos.
The cast includes Ruby Akubueze as Roli, alongside Bisola Aiyeola, Patience Ozokwor, Deyemi Okanlawon, Temitope Tanpe, Norbert Young, Desmond Bryce, Chude Jideonwo, Nkem Owoh, and Monalisa Chinda. Distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, Onobiren targets viewers interested in stories of purpose and endurance, particularly those with faith-based inclinations.
Mother’s Love
Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, a veteran actress with over three decades in the industry, steps behind the camera for her directorial debut with Mother’s Love, which she also produces and stars in. The story centers on Adebisi, a sheltered young woman from a wealthy family, whose pursuit of self-discovery and romance clashes with her father’s strict control. Her mother, portrayed by Jalade-Ekeinde, must confront long-held family secrets and lies to protect her.
The film explores mother-daughter dynamics, grief, sacrifice, and the complexities of motherhood, addressing what Jalade-Ekeinde sees as an underrepresented theme in Nollywood. The ensemble cast features Noray Nehita as Adebisi, Ifeanyi Kalu, Olumide Oworu, Lilian Afegbai, and Nosa Rex. Distributed by The Nile Entertainment, it had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, highlighting its international appeal before arriving in Nigerian theaters.
Kilanko: The Invisible Child
Rotimi Salami produces Kilanko: The Invisible Child, directed by the late Allwell Ademola, making it a poignant tribute to her legacy in filmmaking. This indigenous Yoruba drama focuses on themes that educate and inspire family-oriented viewers, with a gripping narrative rooted in cultural and emotional depth. The film aims to resonate with mainstream Nollywood audiences who favor Yoruba-language stories centered on home and heritage. The casts include Jide Kosoko, Femi Branch, Odunlade Adekola, Saheed Balogun, and Salami himself. Distributed by Cinemaxng, Kilanko premiered on March 1, 2026, ahead of its wide release, underscoring its role as a collaborative effort honoring Ademola’s contributions.
In Summary
Thanks for Reading.
Shockng.com covers the big creators and players in the African film/TV industry and how they do business.
Let’s be friends on Instagram @Shockafrica
