Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (film)

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is a 2024 biopic about the life and times of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a renowned Nigerian activist and mother of afrobeat Legend, Fela Kuti.

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.

Plot
The film follows Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti from her youth as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School, her meeting of- and marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti, her career as an educationist and the formation of the Abeokuta Women's Union (initially called the Abeokuta Ladies' Club) which led to the revolt against colonial rule and the patriarchy.

The story was potrayed as a series of flashbacks narrated by Joke Silva.

Cast

 * Joke Silva as Older Funmilayo
 * Kehinde Bankole as Funmilayo
 * Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko as Younger Funmilayo
 * Ibrahim Suleiman as Israel Ransome-Kuti
 * Iremide Adeoye as Young Israel
 * Earl Atta as Rev. Cole
 * Jide Kosoko as Otun
 * Dele Odule as Osi
 * Adebayo Salami as Alake
 * Keppy Ekpenyong as Josiah
 * Adunni Ade as Mrs. Thompson
 * Omowumi Dada as Grace Eniola
 * Patrick Diabuah as Mr. Thomas

Production and release
An initial title of Funmilayo: Lioness of Lisabi was announced in 2021.The film had a limited release in 2023 and screened for 7 days at the Silverbird Galleria from September 8 to 15.

Ransome Kuti's grandchildren made appearances in the film with Dotun Ransome-Kuti played the role of his father, Olikoye Ransom-Kuti. Kunle-Ransome-Kuti also played the role of his father.

The film was submitted for consideration as one of the Nigerian entry for the Foreign Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards by the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences.

The film was released in Nigerian theatres on 17 May 2024.