Bolanle Austen-Peters’ film Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti won two awards at the 12th Africa International Film Festival, recognizing the best of African and global cinema across various genres and categories, as part of the AFRIFF Globe Awards.
The film which contributes to important conversations surrounding women, their identity, and equality struggles follows the story of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School, and her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti. Together, they challenge oppression and create the Abeokuta Women’s Union, sparking a fierce battle against colonial and traditional rulers.
The cast includes Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Ibrahim Suleiman, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Adunni Ade, Omowunmi Dada, and Patrick Diabuah.
‘Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’ was considered for the Oscars by the Nigerian Official Selection Committee for the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts and Sciences. According to Austin-Peters, the submission to Nigeria’s Oscars consideration is a humbling and exhilarating experience for the film’s team, who have poured heart and soul into the project. “Submitting Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti for Nigeria’s Oscars consideration is a humbling and exhilarating experience. Our team poured heart and soul into this project, and this submission is a testament to their unwavering dedication.”
