Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is a 2024 biopic about the life and times of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a renowned Nigerian activist and mother of afrobeat Legend, Fela Kuti.[1]
| Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | Bolanle Austen-Peters |
| Written by | Tunde Babalola |
| Produced by | Bolanle Austen-Peters |
| Starring | |
| Edited by | Tanja Hagen |
| Music by | George Acogny Alan Derian |
Production company | BAP Productions |
Release date |
|
Running time | 91 minutes |
| Country | Nigeria |
| Language | English |
The film was screened at the 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) where it won the prizes for Best Overall Feature Film and Best Screenplay.[2] [3][4]
Plot
editThe film follows Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti from her youth as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School, her meeting with- and marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti, her career as an educationist and the formation of the Abeokuta Women's Union (initially called the Abeokuta Ladies' Club) which led to the revolt against colonial rule and the patriarchy.[2]
The film opens with a chilling portrayal of police brutality against civilians, with a focus on Funmilayo, who was allegedly thrown from a two-story building during the violent search for information on Fela Kuti’s whereabouts.[5]
The story was portrayed as a series of flashbacks narrated by Joke Silva.[6]
Cast
edit- Joke Silva as Older Funmilayo
- Kehinde Bankole as Funmilayo
- Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko as Younger Funmilayo
- Ibrahim Suleiman as Israel Ransome-Kuti
- Iremide Adeoye as Young Israel
- Earl Atta as Rev. Cole
- Jide Kosoko as Otun
- Dele Odule as Osi
- Adebayo Salami as Alake
- Keppy Ekpenyong as Josiah
- Adunni Ade as Mrs. Thompson
- Omowumi Dada as Grace Eniola
- Patrick Diabuah as Mr. Thomas
Production and release
editAn initial title of Funmilayo: Lioness of Lisabi was announced in 2021.The film had a limited release in 2023 and screened for 7 days at the Silverbird Galleria from September 8 to 15.[7][6]
Ransome Kuti's grandchildren made appearances in the film with Dotun Ransome-Kuti played the role of his father, Olikoye Ransom-Kuti. Kunle-Ransome-Kuti also played the role of his father.[7]
The film was submitted for consideration as one of the Nigerian entry for the Foreign Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards by the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences.[2][6]
The film was released in Nigerian theatres on 17 May 2024.[8]
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) | Best Overall Feature Film | Won | [2] |
| Best Screenplay | Won | |||
| 2024 | 2024 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards | Best Costume Design | Nominated | |
| Best Writing (Movie) | Won | |||
| Best Movie | Nominated |
References
edit- ^ Emelike, Obinna (2023-09-08). "Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti biopic opens in cinemas, aims for Oscars". Businessday NG. Retrieved 2024-04-28.
- ^ a b c d "'Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti' wins big at AFRIFF". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2023-11-18. Retrieved 2024-04-28.
- ^ Enenaite, Blessing (2023-11-17). "Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti movie shines at AFRIFF". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-04-28.
- ^ Adedayo, Adedamola (2024-04-18). "Bolanle Austen-Peters' Biopic "Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti" Hits Nigerian Cinemas In May". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 2024-04-28.
- ^ "Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Review: A Feminist Icon's Activism Illuminated In Film". www.africanfolder.com. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
- ^ a b c "Riveting Tale of a Legend in Reel Life - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2024-04-28.
- ^ a b Marv, Tomide (2023-09-10). "Now in Cinema: the Life and Legend of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti". Zikoko!. Retrieved 2024-04-28.
- ^ ShockNG (2024-04-17). ""Funmilayo Ransome Kuti" Biopic U-turns Prime Video Deal, Sets Nationwide Cinema Debut May 17th". ShockNG. Retrieved 2024-04-28.