Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti steals spotlight at AFRIFF, with two awards

May 22, 2024May 23, 2024

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Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was a fearless female leader who sparks a revolution against colonialism and patriarchy in Nigeria, forever transforming the destiny of her nation.

Film Awards
WINNER: Best Writing
(AMVCA)

WINNER: Best Feature Film
(Africa International Film Festival)

WINNER: Best Screenplay
(Africa International Film Festival)

Synopsis
The story begins with a shocking scene: the 1978 Nigerian Army raid on Fela’s Kalakuta Republic, where Funmilayo, a renowned women’s rights leader, is hurled from a second-floor window by soldiers in her son Fela’s home. Barely surviving the attack, she is visited by a French reporter. They form an instant bond, and over the next two days, Isabelle gets an exclusive interview with Funmilayo about her life.

Through their conversation, we travel back to her childhood in Abeokuta, where she makes history as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School. There, she meets Israel Ransome-Kuti, a school prefect who later becomes her husband and soulmate.

One day, Funmilayo notices the plight of illiterate market women who are consistently exploited by local authorities. She forms the Abeokuta Women’s Union, a powerful grassroots movement that challenges the status quo.

She then emerges as a force, galvanizing thousands of women from across Nigeria to stand up against the establishment – both colonial and traditional – and fight for their rights.

Director/Producer Biography
Bolanle Austen-Peters is the Director and Producer at BAP Productions. She has a master’s degree in International Law from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Law degree from the University of Lagos.

She worked as a lawyer with the United Nations before starting the renowned cultural hub; Terra Kulture in 2003. She has featured three consecutive times in Forbes Afrique as one of the most influential women in Africa. Also described by CNN as the “woman pioneering theatre in Nigeria” she has received wide global media attention and awards for her contribution to the arts.

She is an award-winning movie and theatre Producer/Director whose plays have travelled to London’s West-end, South Africa, Egypt and Dubai.

Her directorial debut, “The Bling Lagosians” won 3 awards at the Best of Nollywood Awards. Her second film, “Collision Course” showed at the Toronto International Film Festival’s market screening and won Best Movie West Africa at the Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Awards; her third film “Man of God” was a Netflix Original, and her most recent film, “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” won Best Screenplay and Best Feature Film at the Africa International Film Festival.

Producer Biography
Jospeh Umoibom is an alumni of the United States International Visitors Leadership program (IVLP) and has over 17 years management experience in the creative industry, theatre and film.

He is the Producer for BAP Productions theatre shows including the Broadway-style musical productions Saro the Musical, Wakaa the Musical, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, Queen Moremi the Musical, The Oluronbi Musical, Man Enough, Death and the King’s Horseman, Trials of Brother Jero, Motherland the Musical and a host of other theatre productions. Saro the Musical and Wakaa the Musical have gone on to have very successful sold out shows in London. Fela and the Kalakuta Queens had huge success in Pretoria, Dubai and Cairo.

He is also the Producer for the BAP Productions movies including “93 Days”, “The Bling Lagosians”, “Collision Course”, “Man of God” and “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti”.

Director of Photography Biography
Lance Gewer is an internationally recognized South African born cinematographer with over 35 years of experience. Lance uses lensing, light, choreography and composition in each and every frame he shoots to evoke an engaging experience for audiences, and pursues truth of character and story in his approach to cinematography.

Lance takes much pleasure in the facing the challenges of his craft, whether innovating with a first-time film director or inspiring an established director. Lance always looks forward to being part of ground-breaking teams that make ground-breaking stories for people on the African continent and around the globe.

Cast Biographies

Joke Silva – Joke Silva is an award-winning Nigerian actress, producer, director and entrepreneur. She professionally debuted in Nollywood in a movie titled “Mind Bending” before featuring in other films like Owulorojo in 1993 and Violated in 1995.

Silva started her career with the National Television Authority (NTA).before heading to the theatre for acting .Her acting prowess in these movies paved the way for her invitation to get featured in a British-Canadian film – The Secret Laughter of Women in 1998, alongside Colin Firth and Nia Long. Some other movies Silva has featured in include Phone Swap, The Secret Laughter of Women, Last Wedding, White Waters, Women’s Cot, The Amazing Grace, Letters to a Stranger amongst others.

Kehinde Bankole – Kehinde Bankole’s remarkable career in the Nigerian entertainment industry has established her as a versatile and respected figure in Nollywood. Bankole is known for her roles in films like “The Meeting,” “October 1,” and “Beyond Blood,” and most recently, “Adire” on Netflix. Bankole has captivated audiences with her outstanding performances. Her ability to seamlessly portray a wide range of characters has earned her critical acclaim and several prestigious awards.

Adebayo Salami – Alhaji Otunba Adebayo Salami was born into the family of Alhaji and Alhaja Abdulkareem Gbogunleri in the Agege area of Lagos State. He started his career as an actor in 1964 with Youngster concert party led by the late Ojo Ladipo while in school. Adebayo Salami is a mentor to numerous industry practitioners . He was the Supervising Director for one of the highest grossing movie in 2022, King of Thieves and Jagun Jagun which premiered on Netflix in 2023.

Ibrahim Suleiman – Ibrahim Suleiman is an Architect, Visual/Digital Artist, and Actor born and raised in Kaduna, Northern Nigeria. He has worked as a copy writer, story board artist and on-screen talent for numerous ad campaigns for major brands. As an actor, he has played diverse roles in big and small screen film and television projects, and recently established his own production company [I-Cubed Media] which already has a YouTube series and a feature film. He is a huge admirer of all creative processes and believes that collaboration is the spine of fresh expression

Dele Odule – Dele Odule’s journey as an actor has left an indelible mark on Nollywood. Odule’s career has been characterized by versatility and a commitment to his craft, earning him recognition and acclaim. With notable performances in films like “Koseegbe,” “Diamond Ring,” and “Saworoide,” Odule has become a respected icon in Nollywood. His dedication to the art of acting has translated into numerous awards and accolades, showcasing his exceptional talent and contributions to Nigerian cinema.

Jide Kosoko – Jide Kosoko is a revered figure in Nigerian cinema and theatre. With a career that has spanned several decades, he stands as an iconic actor and mentor within Nollywood. Kosoko’s versatility and dedication have earned him a plethora of accolades, including multiple African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) and Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA). His notable works in film, such as “Thunderbolt: Magun,” “The Figurine,” and “Phone Swap,” have solidified his status as a legendary actor.

Iremide Adeoye – Iremide Adeoye is a multiple award-winning actor. His ability to seamlessly transform into a wide range of characters has solidified his status as one of the industry’s most sought after actors, starring on Showmax’s hit show, Wura. Iremide is the recipient of Scream Awards – Best Actor In a Supporting Role, CFF Best Actor Award, and one of the Most Interesting People in the Culture 2023.

Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko – Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko is a vibrant young actress from Ogun State. With a passion for acting sparked in local theater and drama clubs, she’s set to portray the teenage Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.. Iyimide’s talent shines through in every role, captivating audiences with her authenticity. She featured in the hit Netflix movie King of Boys 2 and Saro the Musical, one of the biggest stage plays in Africa.