Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (film)
| 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 |
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is a 2022 biopic about the life and times of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a renowned Nigerian activist and mother of afrobeat Legend, Fela Kuti.[1]
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
The film follows Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti from her youth as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School, her meeting of- 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 story was potrayed as a series of flashbacks narrated by Joke Silva.[5]
Cast
- Joke Silva as Older Funmilayo
- Kehinde Bankole as Funmilayo
- Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko as Younger Funmilayo
- Ibrahim Suleiman as Israel Ransome-Kuti
- Jide Kosoko
- Dele Odule
- Adebayo Salami
- Keppy Ekpenyong
- Adunni Ade
- Omowumi Dada
- Patrick Dibuah
Production and release
An 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.[6][5]
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.[6]
The film was submitted for cosideration 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][5]
The film was released in Nigerian theatres on 17 May, 2024.[7]
Awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) | Best Overall Feature Film | Won | [2] |
| Best Screenplay | Won |
References
- ^ 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 Nigeria, Guardian (2023-11-18). "'Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti' wins big at AFRIFF". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 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.
- ^ 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.