Director Bolanle Austen-Peters celebrates legendary activist Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti in her latest biopic
An old African proverb says, “Until the lion tells its story, the hunter will always be the hero.” In this spirit, award-winning Nigerian filmmaker Bolanle Austen-Peters brings to life the remarkable story of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, one of Nigeria’s most influential figures, in her new biopic. Through powerful storytelling, Austen-Peters highlights Ransome-Kuti’s pivotal role in leading one of the 20th century’s most impactful women’s rights movements. A fearless activist, she fought against unjust taxes and championed the cause of women’s rights. Beyond her activism, Ransome-Kuti was also a devoted mother, including to the iconic musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti. As the film *Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti* launches on Amazon Prime, Austen-Peters reflects on the life of this legendary woman and her motivations for telling her story.
**How would you summarize the film’s key themes?**
The film opens with the 1978 Nigerian Army attack on the Kalakuta Republic, home to Fela Kuti. During the raid, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti (FRK) is thrown from a second-floor window by “unknown soldiers,” resulting in severe injuries. From her hospital bed, she’s interviewed by French journalist Isabelle Girard. The narrative flashes back to FRK’s childhood in Abeokuta, where she becomes the first female student at Abeokuta Grammar School and later marries Israel Ransome-Kuti. Together, they teach and raise a family. FRK, inspired by the struggles of working-class women, forms the Abeokuta Women’s Union, challenging colonial authorities and patriarchal systems. The film’s core message is about courage, truth, and her relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment and equality.
**What inspired you to make a film about Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti?**
After creating the musical *Fela and the Kalakuta Queens*, I started researching and discovered that Fela mirrored his mother in so many ways. She had a sophisticated background, and her decisions—such as changing her religion, challenging the government, and speaking up for the oppressed—were all things Fela later did. I thought, “Let’s explore this incredible woman.”
**What does the film reveal about FRK’s activism?**
FRK defied societal norms and fought for human rights, meeting influential leaders like Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah. Her strength came from her father’s commitment to her education, which ingrained in her the belief that gender should never limit one’s potential. She fought against women’s over-taxation and challenged both colonial and local governments. Despite her husband’s role as a reverend, she embraced both Christianity and African spirituality, embodying her African heritage through her fashion choices as well. Her legacy in advancing gender equality in Nigeria is undeniable, as she continually opposed oppression and rejected the idea of racial or cultural superiority.
**What do we learn about FRK’s personal life?**
The love story between FRK and her husband, Israel, is captivating. They were separated for seven years while pursuing education abroad, but when they reunited, they married. Israel played a crucial role in her success, proving that a strong man doesn’t have to feel threatened by a powerful woman, but rather sees her as an asset. Additionally, her close relationship with her father and the support of her husband’s family, including Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka’s mother, add depth to her character in the film.
**The movie spans several decades. How did you approach the set design and costumes?**
Covering the period from 1914 to the 1950s posed challenges. We enlisted designers Ituen Basi and Folake Coker to work with our team at Terrakulture, and the result is a fusion of local traditional attire with Western fashions of the era, like gloves and hats from the 1930s. The costumes and set design helped bring the historical context to life.
**What were the biggest challenges and triumphs in making this film?**
Funding was our greatest obstacle. While I had financial support from friends, we had to cut corners in areas like VFX. We also had to endure filming in the intense heat of Abeokuta in December. Despite these difficulties, the camaraderie among the cast and crew kept spirits high, and the praise we received from the Kuti family after the film’s release was especially rewarding. Winning Best Feature Film in Africa at AFRIFF was another great success.
**How has your background in theatre influenced your filmmaking?**
The transition from theatre to film has been smooth because the disciplines of blocking, actor guidance, lighting, and set design are similar. As a director, I focus on the actors’ emotional journeys, and my theatre experience has shaped me into an actor’s director, which has helped me rise quickly in the filmmaking industry.
**Will we see more collaborations with the Kuti family?**
The Kuti family has been incredibly supportive. Yeni, Femi, Made—everyone was generous with their time and information. I definitely look forward to working with them more in the future.
**Why is it important for audiences to watch this film?**
This film is not only educational but also challenges contemporary biases about women’s roles. It opens viewers’ eyes to the extraordinary contributions of women and the possibilities that come from embracing different cultures while remaining true to oneself. Young men and women can learn valuable lessons from FRK’s courage, resilience, and determination to fight oppression.
*Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti* is now available on Amazon Prime Video worldwide.
*Interview by Osahon Akpata*