Filmmaker Bolanle Austen-Peters has asked the late Dr. Abimbola Silva, mother of actress Joke Silva, for prayers as her movie Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti hits the cinemas.
Bolanle made the request in an Instagram story on Friday while celebrating Abimbola Silva’s posthumous birthday.
She reposted Joke’s mother’s picture writing, “RIP Mama. You have given us a phenomenal daughter @jokesilva. Shower us with prayers as we celebrate FRK today.”
Celebrating her mother’s posthumous birthday, Joke in an Instagram post wrote: “My maama…happy heavenly birthday. Dee Doc. Miss you. From today… your birthday, the film by @bolanleaustenpeters, on Aunty Dolu and Uncle Olikoyes mum, FRK starts showing at the cinemas.Super auspicious. l know you all are smiling on us.
The film recounts the life of Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, mother of late Fela Kuti and includes appearances from her grandchildren Femi Kuti, Yeni Kuti and others.
Actress Kehinde Bankole plays the younger Funmilayo while Joke Silva plays the older version.
The movie won the best screenwriting award at the just concluded Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards after bagging three nominations including best costume and best movie.
Funmilayo was an educator and women’s rights activist.
She died on April 13 1978 at age 77.
Abimbola Silva died on July 20, 2015.
