Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (film)

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Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti poster.jpg
Directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters
Written by Tunde Babalola
Produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters
Starring
Edited byTanja Hagen
Music by
George Acogny
Alan Derian
Production
company
BAP Productions
Release date
  • 17 May 2024 (2024-05-17)
Running time
91 minutes
CountryNigeria
LanguageEnglish

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]

Contents

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 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

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. [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

YearAwardCategoryResultRef
2023 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF)Best Overall Feature FilmWon [2]
Best ScreenplayWon
2024 2024 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards Best Costume DesignNominated
Best Writing (Movie)Won
Best MovieNominated

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References

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  2. 1 2 3 4 "'Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti' wins big at AFRIFF". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2023-11-18. Retrieved 2024-04-28.
  3. Enenaite, Blessing (2023-11-17). "Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti movie shines at AFRIFF". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 2024-04-28.
  4. 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.
  5. "Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti Review: A Feminist Icon's Activism Illuminated In Film". www.africanfolder.com. Retrieved 2024-10-08.
  6. 1 2 3 "Riveting Tale of a Legend in Reel Life - THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2024-04-28.
  7. 1 2 Marv, Tomide (2023-09-10). "Now in Cinema: the Life and Legend of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti". Zikoko!. Retrieved 2024-04-28.
  8. ShockNG (2024-04-17). ""Funmilayo Ransome Kuti" Biopic U-turns Prime Video Deal, Sets Nationwide Cinema Debut May 17th". ShockNG. Retrieved 2024-04-28.