5 hours Ago By Guardian Nigeria
As the world marks International Women’s Day, Moviedom shines its spotlight on Bolanle Austen-Peters, an unstoppable force in the Nigerian film and theatre sector, who embodies the spirit of creativity, innovation and resilience. This lawyer-turned filmmaker and theatre producer has been making waves in the Nigerian entertainment industry, and her recent exploits have earned her the Moviedom Personality of the 2025 edition of International Women’s Day award. Fresh from the success of her latest theatrical offering, Dear Kaffy, which received a wildly enthusiastic reception during its week-long presentation in South Africa, Austen-Peters’ filmic and theatrical achievement is a testament to her dedication to promoting Nigerian arts and culture, as well as her commitment to empowering women and girls through her work.
Her productions often feature strong female leads and tackle themes that resonate with women, making her a true champion of female empowerment. Those who saw Dear Kaffy, when it ran for several weekend in Lagos and recently in Pretoria, commended the production for its rich ‘Nigerian cast, vibrant storytelling and masterful direction.’ Besides, the South African audience who thronged to see the play at the prestigious South African State Theatre in Pretoria were united in their submissions that the play, which explored themes of independence, identity and social pressure resonated deeply with them and it proved to be a must-watch for theatre lovers in South Africa most of whom were wowed by Uzo Isimkpa’s powerful portrayal of the lead role of Kaffi, a single woman navigating the reoccurring issue of love, life and societal expectations in metropolitan Lagos.
From stage to screen, and from ‘93 Days to Collision Course, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and to Fela and The Kalakuta, Bolanle whom a notable culture journalist christened ‘The Yeye of the stage and screen’ has proven to be committed to telling ‘authentically Nigerian, culturally, as well as, socially important narratives’. Indeed her ability to tell stories that unpack a lot of cultural, social and history lessons has helped to cement her position as a leading light in Nigerian entertainment. The production and directing force behind the epic encounter, House of Gaa and the critically acclaimed Funmilayo Ramsome Kuti, which starred a stellar cast including the dependable Omowunmi Dada, Joke Silva, the AMVCA 2024 best actress Kehinde Bankole, Adunni Ade, Iyimide Ayo-Olumoko, Ibrahim Suleiman, and Iremide Adeoye.
Bolanle is founder and artistic director of Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP) Productions and the foremost and prestigious arts and culture centre in Lagos –Terra Kulture, which she set up in 2003 to promote the richness and diversity of Nigerian languages, arts and culture. With over a hundred shows, several play presentations and concerts and an appropriate ambience, Terra Kulture has become a major cultural hub in Nigeria for expatriates, students, Hollywood and Nollywood stars, artists and members of the diplomatic corps. Named one of the most influential women in Africa by Forbes Afrique, BAP studied law at the University of Lagos and international law at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
She had previously worked as a lawyer with United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, New York, Ethiopia and Namibia. She returned to Nigeria in 2001, served as Consultant to UNDP in Lagos before venturing into cultural entrepreneurship. She started with setting up Terra Kulture in 2003 and 10 years later, specifically in 2013, she established her own production company, Bolanle Austen-Peters Productions (BAP Productions) with the goal of changing the narrative about Nigeria and Africa.
So far, Bolanle has signed a couple of stage and screen productions as Producer and much later as producer and director. In her production pouch are titles such as, Fela and the Kalakuta Queens, The Bling Lagosians, 93 Days, which tells the story of the Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, The Collision Course, Man of God and the most recent ‘Funmilayo Ransome Kuti’..
On stage or in the Nigerian theatre industry, BAP who was recently admitted into the Body of Fellows of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) is queen. The cultural entrepreneur, who is married to Dr. Oluwarotimi Austen-Peters, has produced more stage productions that any female independent theatre producer.
In her pouch as a theatre producer and director are award winning productions such as Saro, The Musical, Wakaa, the Musical, Man Enough and Fela and The Kalakuta Queens, which chronicles the life of the Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti and the women that were integral part of his band. It was produced and created with the support of Fela Kuti’s estate and was staged in Nigeria, Egypt, London and South Africa. As Moviedom celebrates Bolanle Austen-Peters on this International Women’s Day, we honour her tireless efforts to push the boundaries of Nigerian entertainment.
Her passion, creativity, and perseverance have inspired countless young women to pursue careers in the arts, and her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations to come..
