Movie Title: Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
Date Release: 17 May 2024
Running Time: 91 Minutes
Director: Tunde Babalola
Cast: Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Ibrahim Suleiman, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Adunni Ade, Omowunmi Dada, Patrick Diabuah and many others
A biopic, short for “biographical picture,” is a film that dramatizes the life of a real person or a group of people. These films go beyond merely telling true stories; they blend educational storytelling with engaging narratives to offer insights into the lives of influential and extraordinary individuals. An example of this is the biopic “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti.”
Creating a biopic can be a delicate task. Overloading the narrative with too many details can make the story unfocused and, in the worst case, boring, especially when it centers on well-known facts about the subject.
This complexity might explain why there are relatively few biopics about Nigerian heroes and heroines, as filmmakers may struggle to find a compelling angle in their stories.The biopic “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” doesn’t just highlight her as the mother of the legendary Afrobeat singer Fela Kuti or as the first Nigerian woman to drive a car.
Instead, it delves deeper into her life, revealing much more about her contributions and achievements. Tunde Babalola, the director, avoids the common pitfall of overloading the narrative by focusing on one significant aspect of her life while weaving in other minor details.
The film centers on the lesser-known women’s revolt of 1947. As the leader of the Abeokuta Women’s Union, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, along with Eniola Soyinka (Wole Soyinka’s mother), led the Ẹ̀gbá women in protesting high taxes and gender marginalization.
Their protest resulted in the abdication of the Aláké of Ẹ̀gbá Land, ended taxation on women, and secured seats for women on the local council. Funmilayo’s actions during this time earned her the title “The Lioness of Lisabi.”
By focusing on her heroics in the struggle for women’s rights, the biopic captures the essence of her character and contributions. It also includes other pivotal moments, such as being the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School and her efforts to promote education for women and children.
This comprehensive approach ensures that her inspiring character is not reduced to a single narrative, providing a fuller picture of her life and legacy.
Plot
The film “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” introduces its titular character at three distinct stages of her life: as a little girl (portrayed by Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko), a young woman (portrayed by Kehinde Bankole), and an older woman (portrayed by Joke Silva).
The story begins with the dramatic 1977 invasion of Fela Kuti’s home, the Kalakuta Republic, by Nigerian police, culminating in the violent act of throwing the elderly Funmilayo from a balcony—a grievous injury that ultimately led to her death a year later.
The narrative then intertwines various events from Funmilayo’s life, seamlessly transitioning from her childhood to adulthood. As a young girl named Francis Thomas, she was inspired by her father, Chief Daniel Olumeyuwa Thomas (Patrick Dibuah), who was the son of a returnee enslaved person from Sierra Leone with roots in Egba land.
This upbringing fostered her resilience and determination. Encouraged by her father, she broke boundaries by becoming the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School, despite facing teasing and bullying from her peers.
It was here that she formed a friendship with Israel Ransome-Kuti (Iremide Adeoye), which eventually blossomed into love.While Israel went to Sierra Leone for further education, Francis traveled to London, where she adopted her Yoruba name, Funmilayo.
Their relationship continued through letters. Upon returning to Nigeria, Israel (now portrayed by Ibrahim Suleiman) became a clergyman and principal of their alma mater, and upon Funmilayo’s return (Kehinde Bankole), they married and started a family.
Despite being part of the elite, Funmilayo was passionate about educating children outside the traditional school setting. Her life took a significant turn when she encountered Iya Supo, a market woman whose son had stopped attending school. This led Funmilayo to confront the oppressive tax collectors at the market, earning the admiration of the market women.
However, the Alake and his tax collectors continued their exploitative practices. Funmilayo’s attempts to address the issue through formal channels proved futile, prompting her to form the Abeokuta Women’s Club, which later evolved into the Abeokuta Women’s Union.
By uniting elite women with market women, they collectively fought against unjust taxation.The film raises questions about the extent to which Funmilayo and her union can challenge powerful authorities. It explores whether they can genuinely stand against the throne and colonial masters, highlighting the broader struggle for justice and equality.
Character Analysis
The film boasts an exceptional cast, including renowned actors such as Joke Silva, Kehinde Bankole, Ibrahim Suleiman, Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, and Adebayo Salami, who deliver outstanding performances that captivate the audience throughout.
A notable highlight is the inclusion of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s grandchildren, Dotun Ransome-Kuti and Kunle Ransome-Kuti, portraying their fathers, Olikoye Ransome-Kuti and Fela Kuti, respectively.
This casting choice adds depth and authenticity to the narrative.The portrayal of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti by three different actresses—Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, Kehinde Bankole, and Joke Silva—effectively captures her essence at various life stages.
Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko embodies the vibrant and fearless teenage Funmilayo, bringing youthful energy and determination to the role. Kehinde Bankole shines as the young adult Funmilayo, showcasing her transformation into the formidable “Lioness of Lisabi” with growing political activism and leadership.
Joke Silva, as the older and more serene Funmilayo and the story’s narrator, beautifully portrays the wisdom and resilience of a woman who has endured and achieved so much.While the main character is given a rich, multifaceted portrayal, the secondary characters are depicted more mundanely.
At times, they appear almost detached from the action, possibly an intentional choice to keep the focus firmly on Funmilayo. This approach ensures that the main character’s narrative remains central but limits the depth of the supporting cast’s performances.
Nevertheless, actors like Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Adunni Ade, and Omowunmi Dada add layers to the story, enriching the film’s historical and cultural context.
Movie Analysis
When history and storytelling converge, magic is made on screen, as exemplified by “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti,” directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters. This film is a masterpiece that brings the extraordinary life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti to the silver screen through brilliant storytelling, unique characters, and impeccable craftsmanship.
The movie chronicles Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s life, portrayed by Kehinde Bankole and Joke Silva, from her pioneering days as the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School to her marriage to Israel Ransome-Kuti, played by Ibrahim Suleiman. It vividly depicts her tireless activism against oppression, highlighting her legacy as a trailblazer.
The film’s costumes beautifully recreate the era, transporting the audience back to when these events unfolded. The use of both Yoruba and English languages adds depth to the storytelling, capturing Abeokuta’s cultural and historical nuances at that time.
A standout achievement of the film is its depiction of female power and feminism. It showcases the strength that arises when women unite to fight injustice, emphasizing the power of unity among women.
It portrays women as powerful beings capable of achieving incredible feats, much like Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti herself.The movie also illustrates the influence of colonial powers and corruption within traditional rule during that era.
Funmilayo and her women challenge both the chiefs and the government, highlighting the systematic pauperization of the masses. The cinematography effectively complements the storytelling by visually conveying the characters’ emotions, struggles, and triumphs.
Attention to historical accuracy in recreating the visual aesthetics of the period is commendable. The movie’s costumes, set design, and overall visual style transport viewers to the early 20th century, adding depth and authenticity to the storytelling.
The director’s vision and execution are praiseworthy, as the film could have easily faltered had it attempted to cover a broader scope of Ransome-Kuti’s life. Instead, Austen-Peters ensures that Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti’s legacy is seen in a fresh, impactful light, free from outdated narratives that have threatened to erode her legacy.
“Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” sets a high standard for future biopics, demonstrating how to effectively balance historical accuracy, cultural depth, and powerful storytelling.
