Carl Roberts 
Jasmine Jobson stars as the first Somali-British professional boxing champion in True Brit Entertainment’s In The Shadows.
Filming has begun in London on ‘In the Shadows’. The incredible true story of refugee Ramla Ali who, without her parents’ knowledge, secretly pursued boxing to become the first Somali-British professional boxing champion.
BAFTA-winning actor Jasmine Jobson, best known for her role as Jaq in Netflix’s Top Boy. And the upcoming Andrea Arnold’s Bird starring Barry Keoghan, is set to portray the trailblazing Somali-British professional boxer, model, and UNICEF Ambassador. Finn Cole (Last Breath, Peaky Blinders, Fast & Furious 9) will star alongside Jobson as her husband, Richard Moore. While Gershwyn Eustache Jr (Andor, Small Axe, Fortitude) plays her boxing coach. Ramla Ali and Richard Moore will serve as executive producers.
JASMINE JOBSON
Reflecting on portraying Ramla Ali, Jasmine Jobson remarked:
“It’s a complete honour to take on the role of Ramla and to be trusted to help share her incredible story. 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. Her experience of arriving in the U.K. as a refugee is important and has the power to educate and empower people at a time of so much division. I’m thrilled to get started.”
RAMLA ALI
Speaking about Jasmine Jobson portraying her on-screen, Ramla Ali said:
“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. She brings with her an incredible amount of authenticity, rawness, and real emotion that can’t be taught. I couldn’t be more excited to see her embody me on the screen.”
The movie is executive produced by Zygi Kamasa on behalf of 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, Ramla Ali and Richard Moore.
TRUE BRIT ENTERTAINMENT
True Brit Entertainment, the leading distributor of independent British feature films, will release the film in 2025 in cinemas across the UK and Ireland. With Altitude handling International Sales. Zygi Kamasa, CEO of True Brit Entertainment said:
‘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. 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.’
ANTHONY WONKE
‘In the Shadows’ is directed by Emmy Award and three-time BAFTA-winning documentary filmmaker Anthony Wonke (Dettori, Syria: Children on the Frontline, Ronaldo) who will make his narrative fiction film debut. Anthony Wonke said:
“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. 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 empathises with Ramla’s story in such a profound way.”
PRODUCING THE FILM
Producing the inspiring film is BAFTA award-winning and Oscar-nominated producer Lee Magiday (The Favourite, The Lobster) for Sleeper Films. And Madeleine Sanderson (Being AP, Fighting for a City) for Affine Films. Discussing her vision for ‘In the Shadows,’ Lee Magiday stated:
“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.”
Sharing her insights on the film, Madeleine Sanderson said:
“Wherever someone starts in life, whatever cards they are dealt, with enough belief they can change the world. Ramla’s story is one of endeavour and determination…which becomes a celebration of women, individuality, family and belonging.”
The playwright and screenwriter Ursula Rani Sarma, known for her works on ‘Bodkin’ and ‘Delicious’, has penned the screenplay. Award-winning Christopher Aoun (Capernaum) is the cinematographer. Kharmel Cochrane (A Quiet Place: Day One, Saltburn, Rye Lane) is casting the film.
CIVIC STUDIOS
The film is presented by Civic Studios, a global media company that creates entertainment with social impact. Anushka Shah, CEO of Civic Studios commented:
‘Ramla’s story is truly inspiring and deserves to be heard by audiences around the world. It’s a story of perseverance in the face of adversity, the immigrant experience, and most importantly, of a champion boxer.’
ABOUT THE FILM
It was at the boxing club where Ramla trained that she met her future husband, Richard Moore, who converted to Islam. A testament to his profound love for her. “In the Shadows” centres on a distinctive love story set against the backdrop of a deep family saga, highlighting the adversities and victories of Ramla and Richard, a couple of mixed heritage. As they navigate racial and cultural barriers, their shared strength and mutual support sets them apart as role models for a new generation.
‘In the Shadows’ transcends the typical sports drama. Exploring deep social issues and themes of identity, belonging, family, love, and faith. This poignant coming-of-age film traces Ramla’s extraordinary journey within a strict Muslim family in London’s multicultural East End. Capturing her pursuit of self-discovery and empowerment. This helped her “step out of the shadows” to claim her identity and voice amidst her own religious and cultural frameworks. The film also illuminates the collective challenges faced by Somali British Muslim women and similar diaspora and refugee communities globally. Demonstrating the power of perseverance against cultural and societal odds.
NATASHA MUDHAR
Reflecting on the film’s extensive social impact, Natasha Mudhar, Executive Producer and Founder of The World We Want Studios. A mission-driven entertainment hub that produces powerful stories to inspire positive social change, said:
“‘In the Shadows’ is more than a movie; it’s the potential start of a movement. I am inspired by how Ramla’s journey – a profound testament to the power of self-belief and the strength derived from one’s roots – inspires us to enact real change through storytelling.”
RAMLA ALI
Ramla Ali’s unyielding determination and relentless drive to succeed against all odds enabled her to overcome significant challenges in and out of the boxing ring. Breaking through gender barriers and shattering cultural stereotypes. Her tenacity led her to historic achievements, including being the first boxer, male or female, to represent Somalia at the 2020 Olympic Games. And winning the first-ever professional female boxing match in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, Ali clinched her first professional IBF intercontinental title at Superbantam weight at Madison Square Gardens. And was recognized as one of TIME magazine’s 2023 Women of the Year.
RAMLA ALI QUOTE
“My aim is to become an ambassador and role model for women’s boxing. To inspire other young girls who suffer from bullying and body weight issues. To land the message that through boxing, you are not just physically rewarded but mentally reborn. Boxing was a way for me to step out of the shadows; to express myself and to inspire others, especially women, to create the confidence we all need to live a happy and healthy life.”
Introducing Carl! As the News Editor at Future of the Force, Carl has been an invaluable member of our team since early 2016. His expertise and dedication have made him an integral part of our editorial staff. Beyond his professional role, Carl is a fervent supporter of Liverpool F.C. and an avid follower of pop culture. He has a deep passion for Halloween, Friday the 13th, and the iconic movie franchises Star Wars and Star Trek.
He can be found either at his neighborhood cinema, enjoying the latest releases on the big screen, or at home streaming the newest blockbuster movies.
