By Reuben Adewale
The movie Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti is one of the well-crafted biopic films in the Nollywood movie genre, narrating a legendary story with accurate attention to detail.
Watching a movie based on true-life events always comes with high expectations. Viewers anticipate feeling transported to the specific time and place of those events, immersed in the story through various cinematic elements. “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,” directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters, delivers on these expectations and more as it recounts the legendary life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and her enduring legacy. The film features an incredible cast, including Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, and Ibrahim Suleiman.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, a prominent figure in Nigeria, is often remembered as the mother of the legendary Afrobeat music genre creator, Fela Kuti, and as the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria. However, the movie delves deeper, revealing lesser-known aspects of her life that many in this present generation don’t know.
The film meticulously portrays Funmilayo’s journey. From becoming the first female student at the grammar school in Abeokuta due to her excellence and passion for education to meeting her life partner in the same city, and experiencing the culture of the United Kingdom during her further studies, each moment is vividly captured. Her unwavering commitment to spreading education within her community leads her to a pivotal historical event in the mid-1950s Abeokuta.
The film documents one of Nigeria’s most significant women’s protests, which took place in Egbaland, Abeokuta, in 1947. The protest aimed to challenge heavy taxation and oppression faced by market women. The director masterfully depicts the protest scene, capturing the emotions engraved on the women’s faces as they chant Yoruba songs of freedom. The use of leaves, Yoruba incantations, and native attire symbolizes unity and resilience in their fight against oppression.
The film’s attention to detail is commendable. The post-production stage, including editing and color grading, is executed flawlessly. Flashbacks to the 1990s transport viewers to a bygone era, complete with old newspapers, ancient bicycles, period clothing, and authentic locations. Notably, the depiction of the Abeokuta arrival port showcases simplicity amidst bustling activity and also gives viewers a glimpse of what international ports looked like back then when people traveled overseas, as also described in books such as In Dependence by Sarah Ladipo Manyika.
The storytelling strikes a balance between accuracy and descriptive power. The director skillfully focuses on Funmilayo’s leadership during the protest without overcrowding the narrative. Even seemingly minor details, such as currency transactions and architectural nuances, contribute to the film’s authenticity.
Iyimide Ayo Olumoko who played the younger character of Funmilayo delivered standout performances, she gave a glimpse of what Funmilayo’s childhood was like and her relationship with her father who pushed boundaries for her, likewise, Kehinde Bankole who played the older version of Funmilayo did a fantastic job in showing us who really Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti was. The well-mixed audio and engaging voiceover from Joke Silva who played the elder version of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, guided viewers through this captivating historical journey without leaving any pothole.
“Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” not only celebrates a remarkable woman but also serves as a powerful reminder of the impact individuals can make when they stand up for justice and education, no matter the obstacles that come along in the process.
Rating 9.0/10
