Jasmine Jobson steps into the ring: A new chapter for ‘In the Shadows’

A star-studded cast brings Ramla Ali’s story to life

Jasmine Jobson, known for her BAFTA-winning role in “Top Boy” and her recent appearance in Andrea Arnold’s “Bird,” is set to portray the trailblazing Somali-British professional boxer, model, and UNICEF Ambassador Ramla Ali in the upcoming film “In the Shadows.” Jobson takes over from Letitia Wright, who was initially attached to the project.

Filming has commenced in London, featuring a stellar cast that includes Finn Cole (“Last Breath,” “Peaky Blinders,” “Fast & Furious 9”) as Jobson’s husband, Richard Moore, and Gershwyn Eustache Jr (“Andor,” “Small Axe,” “Fortitude”) as her boxing coach.

A new direction for Anthony Wonke

“In the Shadows” marks the narrative feature debut of Emmy Award and three-time BAFTA-winning documentarian Anthony Wonke. Known for his work on “Dettori,” “Syria: Children on the Frontline,” and “Ronaldo,” Wonke is set to bring his unique storytelling prowess to this inspiring tale. The film is produced by BAFTA winner and Oscar-nominated producer Lee Magiday (“The Favourite,” “The Lobster”), Madeleine Sanderson (“Being AP,” “Fighting for a City”), and presented by Civic Studios (“Christmas Karma,” “Schirkoa: In Lies We Trust”). Ramla Ali herself will serve as an executive producer.

The journey of Ramla Ali

“In the Shadows” tells the true story of Ramla Ali, a refugee who secretly pursued boxing without the knowledge of her strictly Muslim parents in London. Her journey led her to become the first Somali-British professional boxing champion. It was at the boxing club where she trained that she met her future husband, Richard Moore, who converted to Islam as a testament to his profound love for her. The film will explore Ali’s relentless drive to succeed despite numerous obstacles, both in and out of the ring. Her achievements include being the first boxer, male or female, to represent Somalia at the 2020 Olympic Games and participating in the first-ever professional female boxing match in Saudi Arabia.

A tale of love and perseverance

The film will also delve into the love story between Ali and Moore as they navigate racial and cultural barriers. “It’s a complete honor to take on the role of Ramla and to be trusted to help share her incredible story,” said Jobson. “Not only to celebrate her talent, strength, and determination as a boundary-breaking athlete but also as an incredibly inspirational Somali woman who has overcome huge adversity.”

Ali expressed her excitement about Jobson’s casting: “I, along with everyone else, fell in love with Jasmine after seeing her incredible performance as Jaq in ‘Top Boy.’ She understands more than anyone the true experience of growing up in London and fighting for yourself and your place in this world.”

Behind the scenes

The film is executive produced by Zygi Kamasa for True Brit Entertainment, Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, and Mike Runagall for Altitude, Anushka Shah for Civic Studios, Richard Fearn and Jane Reid Fearn at Affine Films, Natasha Mudhar for The World We Want Studios, Anne Sheehan, Ali, and Richard Moore.

“There is no doubt Jasmine Jobson is one of Britain’s finest and most exciting actors out there today and brings an incredible intelligence and emotionally raw honesty to her roles,” said Wonke. “Ramla’s story is one of perseverance and bravery against the odds, and we couldn’t be more delighted to have an actor that so connects and empathizes with Ramla’s story in such a profound way.”

A story to inspire

Producer Magiday added, “Ramla’s journey is a deeply inspiring tale of self-belief and commitment. From a young refugee to Boxing Champion and founder of her charity Sisters Club, Ramla has forged a path for future generations of young women. In bringing her story to the screen, our hope is to ignite passion and courage in everyone who dares to dream.”

The screenplay is written by playwright and screenwriter Ursula Rani Sarma (“Bodkin,” “Delicious”). Christopher Aoun (“Capernaum”) will serve as cinematographer, and Kharmel Cochrane (“A Quiet Place: Day One,” “Saltburn,” “Rye Lane”) is casting the film.

“As the nation is gripped by a summer of sport, we’re delighted to announce we’re bringing Ramla’s inspiring true story and British sporting triumph to the big screen,” said True Brit CEO Zygi Kamasa. “The film brings together some of the UK’s most exciting talent both on and off screen to tell this remarkable tale of grit and determination.”

For more information and to watch the trailer, visit In the Shadows.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive look at the upcoming film “In the Shadows,” highlighting the key players involved and the inspiring story of Ramla Ali. For cinema and TV series enthusiasts, this film promises to be a compelling watch, blending elements of sports, drama, and romance.