Coming May 17th: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

 

The long awaited biopic  of noted Nigerian  educator, activist and mother of  3 remarkable men is set to hit cinemas on the 17th of May , 2024.

Mrs Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, known the  "Lioness of Lisabi"  was a woman ahead of her time and her fierce fight for equality and against colonialism and corrupt helped shape Nigeria's destiny. She formed the Abeokuta Women's Union, set up literacy classes for lower-income women and led successful protests for various causes. Besides being the mother of  Dr Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Dr Beko Ransome Kuti and Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, she was also the aunt of the African Nobel Laurete, Professor Wole Soyinka.

Written by Tunde Babalola and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, the biopic traces Funmilayo's early days as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School, Ogun State, to her marriage to  Israel Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, clergyman, principal and the first President of  Nigeria Union of Teachers. The couple made their mark in righting the wrongs caused by oppression, corruption and colonialism, which today remains their legacy. 

The movie bagged 2 wins last year at the Africa International Film Festival; Best Overall Feature  Film and Best Screenplay. 

Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, Kehinde Bankole and veteran actress Joke Silva play Funmilayo as a young girl, woman and older woman respectively, with Ibrahim Suleiman as young Israel and Iremide Adeoye as the  older Israel. Other cast members include fellow veterans Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami (Oga Bello)  and Keppy Ekpenyong Bassey. 

Definitely a must watch!  TRAILER