The world premiere of Amazing Grace, an independent film starring Hannah Walters and Daniel P. Lewis, took place at the Crosby Community Plaza ahead of its official release on November 6. The film carries a message on mental health awareness and the importance of reaching out.
In the movie, Walters plays Grace, a helpline volunteer who bonds over the phone with Walter, a man experiencing a mental health crisis. Lewis, who also wrote the film, delivers an emotional performance as Walter, with James Nelson-Joyce playing the villainous Karl. All three lead stars attended the L22 premiere.
Community support behind the film
Lewis told the ECHO how community spirit in Liverpool was vital to making the film. He said: "It was a super independent film. Everyone was on a high five and a pot noodle. You can't make things like this without support and belief. When you've got community backing it."
He recalled filming in a house where a neighbour offered support: "We were filming in a house. Next door opened the door. We thought they were going to kick us out or phone the police. But they actually went if any of your crew want to sit in here and have a brew. Where else would you get that?"
Director and cast on Liverpool identity
The film was director Ruth Carney's first feature after a TV career that includes episodes of Call the Midwife, Shetland and Brassic. Shot in 11 days, Carney said it was important to place Liverpool at the heart of the story: "Amazing Grace, in its own way, showcases Liverpool and the fact we're doing the world premiere here is very important. I'm not from Liverpool, but I am an honorary northerner. It's important that we do work in the region."
Walters, married to Stephen Graham, spoke about championing Scouse talent. She said: "It's a second home. I've been coming here since I was 19. Half of my life has been spent coming back and forth to Liverpool and I have lots of family here. Stephen's family that I consider my own family and it has a little piece of my heart."
Mental health message resonates
Nelson-Joyce said the film's message drew him to the project. He told the ECHO: "As an actor, you get into film and TV to tell amazing stories and that's what this film is. How can you say no really? The beautiful thing about this film is having someone to talk to and someone being there for you."
Lewis said his goal was to tell a story that matters, drawing on his own experiences: "I've suffered with my mental health, substance and alcohol abuse. I thought, 'How could I take that negative and turn it into a positive?' And hopefully this is the story that I've been able to do that with." The film's emotional climax left few dry eyes in the audience, and Carney, Walters and Lewis received two standing ovations. Amazing Grace arrives in UK cinemas on Friday, November 6.
