September 17, (THEWILL) – Movie producer, Bolanle Austen-Peters looks forward to making a major statement with her latest movie, ‘Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,’ a film on the mother of Fela Kuti, the late Afrobeat icon. She hopes it will scale the usual hurdles and get submitted for The Academy Awards and possibly earn a nomination or a win.
Directed by Austen-Peters herself, ‘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.
The narrative artfully contrasts Funmilayo Ransome-kuti’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 cast of the film includes 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. Our team poured heart and soul into this project, and this submission is a testament to their unwavering dedication,” she said.
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.
