**Fatshimetrie: A deep look into the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti**
The recently released biographical film “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” offers new and gripping perspectives on the life of this educator, activist, wife, mother and force of protest, far beyond what a simple lecture of history could convey. How is it that such a remarkable and noble woman was reduced to simply being the first woman to drive a car in Nigeria?
Focusing on the Abeokuta Women’s Revolt (also called the Egba Women’s Tax Revolt), a resistance movement led by Ransome-Kuti in the late 1940s against the imposition of unfair taxes by the colonial government Nigerian, Austen-Peters’ film serves as a veritable Trojan horse to address contemporary concerns about government, the death of dissent, hope and the need for a provocative leader in times of great economic upheaval.
The story of the women of Abeokuta echoes Nigeria’s current challenges, with issues such as unfair taxes, rising electricity tariffs, inflation, removal of subsidies and policing operating with impunity. Today, those who engage in such actions may suffer a far crueler fate than in the past.
Ransome-Kuti’s life has been as inspiring as it is challenging, dating back to her school days when she was the first female student. The film highlights the remarkable performances of Kehinde Bankole as Ransome-Kuti fighting for fair taxes, as well as Ibrahim Suleiman brilliantly playing her lover and husband, Isreal Ransome-Kuti.
The aesthetic of the film, whether in the sets or the costumes, perfectly captures the atmosphere of the time, highlighting the social divisions between those who benefited from a Western education in Europe and those who remained in Abeokuta in work the land.
If the film mainly focuses on Ransome-Kuti’s involvement in the Abeokuta women’s revolt, it nonetheless remains a remarkable work which testifies to the courage and determination of this major historical figure of Nigeria. By choosing this approach rather than encompassing Ransome-Kuti’s entire life, Austen-Peters succeeds in providing a poignant and impactful account.
Thus, “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” stands out as one of the best recent Nollywood biopics, and marks the desire of Nigerian directors to prioritize the quality of content despite sometimes limited budgets. By telling the story of this pioneer in the fight for women’s rights and social justice, the film resonates powerfully in a contemporary context where these struggles remain more relevant than ever..
In short, “Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti” offers a fascinating dive into the history and struggle of this emblematic figure, reminding viewers of the importance of resistance and the fight for a more just and equitable world. This film confronts us with our own history and pushes us to reflect on the current challenges we face, while celebrating the courage and determination of those who blazed the trail before us.