Ashley Walters begins production on his debut feature film 'Animol'

Ashley Walters has commenced production on his directorial feature debut Animol. 

Drawing on his own experience, Ashley directs a searing portrayal of life within the confines of a Young Offenders’ Institution. Written by Nick Love, Animol was developed by Film4 in collaboration with Joi Productions. 

Sky is collaborating with Film4 for the first time as co-financiers on the project, with the UK's BFI (awarding National Lottery funding) also financing. Bankside Films are handling international sales for the film.

Animol stars Tut Nyuot and Vladyslav Baliuk as two teenagers embroiled in the prison’s harsh environment. Stephen Graham joins the supporting cast as a Welfare Officer tasked with supporting the young offenders during their incarceration. Sharon Duncan-Brewster rounds off the casting line-up.

The film is produced by Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor and Tom Hawkins from Joi Productions, an independent London-based production company focused on telling stories which are Black, Queer and Female-led, in association with Walter’s production outfit SLNDA, and Love’s outfit Rogue State.

Production is working in close collaboration with the Synergy Theatre Project and Intermission Youth Theatre, to give opportunities as supporting artists to those at risk of entering the criminal justice system.

Julia Stuart, Laura Grange and Sabrina Parmar are executive producing for Sky, Ollie Madden and David Kimbangi for Film4 and Louise Ortega for BFI.