Bolanle Austen-Peters’ film on Fela’s mum screens in Lagos for a week

Bolanle Austen Peters’ production is currently showcasing ‘Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,’ a film on the mother of Fela Kuti, the late Afrobeat legend, in an ongoing one-week screening at the Silverbird Cinema, Victoria Island in Lagos.

The movie screening, which began last Friday, will come to an end on Thursday.

Directed by Austen-Peters, ‘Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’ is notable for its brilliant storytelling, unique characters, and stunning craftsmanship and is already wowing audiences at the cinema.

The film follows the story of Fela’s mother; from her pioneering days as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School to her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti.

Together with her husband, they challenged oppression and created the Abeokuta Women’s Union, igniting a fierce battle against colonial and traditional rulers who stood in the way of fairness and justice.

This narrative artfully contrasts Funmilayo’s tireless activism with her delicate balancing act as a wife and mother, revealing the indomitable spirit of a woman who changed the course of history.

The film’s cast members include Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Ibrahim Suleiman, and Jide Kosoko.

Others are Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Adunni Ade, Omowunmi Dada, and Patrick Diabuah.

Speaking on the project, Austen-Peters expressed her enthusiasm on where the film might be headed.

“Submitting Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti for the consideration of Nigeria Official Screening Committee (NOSC) towards 96th Academy Awards next year is a humbling and exhilarating experience,” she said.

“Our team poured heart and soul into this project, and this submission is a testament to their unwavering dedication.”

Yakubu Yahaya, an associate producer said, “the film will undoubtedly leave a mark on the global film scene.”

Funmilayo passed away in 1978 at the age of 77.

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