September 12, (THEWILL) – Movie producer, Bolanle Austen-Peters, is looking at making a major statement with her latest movie, ‘Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,’ a film on the mother of Fela Kuti, the late Afrobeat legend.
She hopes it will pass the necessary checks and get submitted for The Academy Awards and possibly bag a nomination or a win.
From her movie production stables, Bolanle Austen Peters’ production and directed by her, ‘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 the 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.”
Funmilayo passed away in 1978 at the age of 77.
The movie is currently being screened at the Silverbird Cinema, Victoria Island, Lagos. The movie screening, which began last Friday, will come to an end on Thursday.
Ivory Ukonu is a versatile journalist with many years of experience, with entertainment and society reporting as her area of core competence.
