Bolanle Austen-Peters’ Biopic “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” Hits Nigerian Cinemas In May

Bolanle Austen-Peters’ biographical drama Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is set to appear in Nigerian Cinemas from May 17th, 2024. The biopic debuted at the 12th Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF 2023) where it won Best Overall Feature Film and Best Screenplay awards.

The biopic is written by Tunde Babalola and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters. It is based on the story of late Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a famous women’s rights activist and mother to Afrobeat icon Fela Kuti. This includes her days at Abeokuta Grammar School, Ogun State, her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti, and her revolution against colonialism and patriarchy through the creation of Abeokuta Women’s Union.

Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti stars Kehinde Bankole in the lead role, and has a cast that includes Ibrahim Suleiman, Joke Silva, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpenyong, Dele Odule,  Jide Kosoko, Omowunmi Dada and Adunni Ade. 

Bolanle Austen-Peters is a lawyer, an award-winning filmmaker, the convener of Terra Kulture and the CEO of BAP Productions, a theater and movie company founded in 2013. Formed in 2003 and headquartered in Lagos, Terra Kulture is a restaurant and arts and culture center that hosts Nigerian cuisine, bookstore and other cultural events. 

BAP Productions is credited with the theatrical release of Saro The Musical in 2013 and the film 93 Days in 2015.