The Nollywood biopic Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, directed and produced by Bolanle Austen-Peters, grossed ₦71 million in its opening week. This achievement was announced by FilmOne, a Nigerian distribution and production company, on Instagram on May 27, 2024.
FilmOne thanked Nigerians for their support and enthusiasm for the film, which highlights the appetite for value-driven and entertaining content in local cinemas.
Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti chronicles the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, the mother of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. The film covers her journey from being the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School to her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti.
It also depicts her activism against injustices and her role in founding the Abeokuta Women’s Union, which led to conflicts with traditional and colonial authorities.
The cast features notable actors such as Omowunmi Dada, Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Adunni Ade, Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, Ibrahim Suleiman, and Iremide Adeoye.
The film premiered at the 12th edition of the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in 2023, where it won Best Overall Feature Film and Best Screenplay. Additionally, it recently won Best Writing at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
With its strong opening week performance, it will be interesting to see how Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti continues to fare in the box office in the coming weeks.
