The Biopic On Nigerian Women’s Rights Pioneer has achieved remarkable success, generating an astounding N32 million in just one week since its release in the cinema.
The figures indicate that the biographical film, ‘Funmilayo Ransome Kuti,’ has not only emerged as the highest-grossing film of the weekend but also achieved the highest opening weekend box office numbers for a biopic in Nollywood’s history.
The hit movie honors the accomplishments and enduring influence of the Nigerian woman who fought against colonialism and patriarchy.
This remarkable feat signifies a notable advancement compared to 2023 when domestic films held the lead for a mere 14 weeks and a mere nine weeks in 2022.
Bolanle Austen-Peters, a prominent figure in Nigeria’s Nollywood industry, directed the film “Funmilayo Ransom Kuti,” which portrays the fascinating life of the late Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.
In 2021, the acclaimed director and producer, who has won numerous awards, obtained the rights to create a biographical film about the iconic Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti from the late matriarch’s estate.
Some Key Details About The Movie
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a well-known Nigerian educator, political reformer, women’s rights activist, and the mother of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, is honored in this cinematic representation.
The biopic stars Kehinde Bankole, the 2024 best actress winner at the recently concluded African Magic Viewers Choice Award event.
The film also features a stellar ensemble cast, including veteran actors Ajoke Silva, Adebayo Salami, Omowunmi Dada, Adunni Ade, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Ibrahim Suleiman, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, Yewande Osamein, and Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko.
The biopic of Funmilayo Ransom Kuti explores important phases of Ransome-Kuti’s life, including her education at Abeokuta Grammar School, her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti, and her revolutionary fight against colonialism and patriarchy.
The story was portrayed as a series of flashbacks narrated by Joke Silva
The film highlights her pivotal role in creating the Abeokuta Women’s Union, which was instrumental in advocating for women’s rights and challenging colonial governance.
What To know
The film was written by Tunde Babalola, and directed and produced by Bolanle Austen Peters alongside Timi Austen Peters, Yemi Idowu, Murital Ibrahim, Osanemo Fayemiwo, and Deji Alli.
The film was screened at the 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) where it won the prizes for Best Overall Feature Film and Best Screenplay.
Funmilayo: Lioness of Lisabi was first revealed as its title in 2021. It was released in a limited capacity in 2023, being screened at the Silverbird Galleria for a week from September 8 to 15.
At the Premiere of Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Babajide Sanwoolu of Lagos State, former Gov Donald Duke of Cross Rivers State, the Ransome Kuti Family, actors and crew of the award-winning film: Best Movie, Best Screenplay AFRIFF 2023 Best Screenplay, AMVCA 2024 were present.
Yeni and Femi Kuti, the children of Afrobeats legend Fela Kuti, feature in the film while Ransome Kuti’s grandchildren made appearances in the film with Dotun Ransome-Kuti playing the role of his father, Olikoye Ransom-Kuti. Kunle-Ransome-Kuti also played the role of his father.
Yeni is best known today for founding Felabration and co-founding the New Afrika Shrine. But she was a singer and dancer with Fela’s Egypt 80 in the 1980s. She is also one of the hosts of TVC’s ‘Your View’.
Femi, on the other hand, started his band, Positive Force, establishing himself as an artist independent of his father’s legacy.
The Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences submitted the film for evaluation as a potential Nigerian entry in the Foreign Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards.
The success of ‘Funmilayo Ransom Kuti’ signifies more than just box office figures. The film sheds light on the inspiring story of a powerful Nigerian woman and her lasting impact on the country.
