The iconic film, directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, celebrates Funmilayo’s legacy.
By Helena Olori
The highly anticipated biographical film celebrating the life of the renowned women’s rights activist, the late Chief Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (FRK), is now screening exclusively at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The film, produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters’ BAP Productions, is on a limited theatrical run, showing until September 15.
https://youtu.be/WJ6UQqF-YCQ
Directed by the seasoned Austen-Peters, (known for Queen Moremi, Man of God, and Collision Course) this biopic is promised to be one of the most iconic in Nollywood and is expected to ride on the success of her previous projects, including Fela’s Republic and the Kalakuta Queens.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti narrates the life story of phenomenal women’s rights activists and mother of Afrobeats legend, Fela Kuti, from her pioneering days as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School to her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti. The biopic follows her story as she confronts oppression from both colonial and traditional rulers, leading up to the establishment of the Abeokuta Women’s Union.
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The film portrays Funmilayo’s relentless activism as well as her role as a wife and mother, as she fights to change the course of history. According to Austen Peters, this biopic shows us all that we can be exceptional while adding voice to ongoing dialogues surrounding women, identity, and the quest for equality.
It features exceptional performances from Kehinde Bankole as the lead actress who plays Funmilayo, and the icon actress, Joke Silva as an older Funmilayo. The cast ensemble also includes veteran Jide Kosoko, Ibrahim Suleiman, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Adunni Ade, Omowunmi Dada, and Patrick Diabuah among others.
The special highlight of this biopic is the inclusion of Chief Funmi’s grandchildren, with Dotun Ransome-Kuti taking on the role of his father, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, and Kunle Ransome-Kuti portraying his own father, Fela Kuti. Yeni Kuti also makes an appearance as her aunt, Dolupo Ransome-Kuti, as well as Femi Kuti and his son, Made Kuti.
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In the meantime, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti has joined in the race for an Oscars as it has been submitted to the Nigerian Official Selection Committee for the Oscars Academy for consideration. Despite its short theatrical run, the film meets the Oscars Award’s guidelines which require submitted films to screen commercially for at least seven days.
Speaking on the cinematic quality and potentials of the film, Austen-Peters, said “Submitting Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti for Nigeria’s Oscars consideration is a humbling and exhilarating experience. Our team poured heart and soul into this project, and this submission is a testament to their unwavering dedication.”
Cinemagoers can see Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti at the Silverbird Cinema until Friday, 15, September, 2023.