Bolanle Austen-Peters to produce movie on Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

Bolanle Austen-Peters, the Nigerian filmmaker, has acquired the rights to produce a movie on Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the foremost human rights activist.

In a statement, Austen-Peters said the biopic would feature cameo appearances from Funmilayo’s grandchildren.

According to her, the project, tentatively titled ‘Funmilayo: The Lioness of Lisabi’, is expected to hit the cinemas between 2022 and 2023.

She added that the project is in line with Bolanle Austen-Peters Production’s vision of telling unique African stories.

“Having directed the stage version of the story of great women such as ‘Queen Moreni’, ‘Oluronbi’, and ‘Fela and the Kalakuta Queens’, I am interested in telling the story of this phenomenal woman, Funmilayo,” the statement read.

“She was a woman with many parts and was first in many things. She was the first girl to attend an all-boys school, first woman to drive a car in western Nigeria; a political activist who fought for the rights of women; first woman to found a political party, confronted traditional and colonial authorities in unprecedented mass protests.

“Apart from these, she was a loving wife and mother who raised four successful children amongst whom is Fela Anikulapo Kuti.

“This is an inspirational story. We need positive role modeling for young African women and the world at large.

“At BAP Productions, we believe in telling uniquely African stories. This is a story of a brave and courageous woman, a leader, an activist and a family woman.”

Funmilayo, who is renowned for her activism, passed away in 1978 at the age of 77.