Stephen Graham, his wife Hannah Walters and a host of well-known stars walked the red carpet at the Plaza Community Cinema in Crosby on Thursday, October 29, for the premiere of the new film Amazing Grace.
The event marked the world premiere of the film, shot across Merseyside, ahead of its UK cinema release next month. Among the guests were This City Is Ours actor James Nelson-Joyce, Emmerdale star Jay Kontzle and actress Sheridan Smith.
Film details and cast
Walters, known for A Thousand Blows and Boiling Point, takes the lead role of Grace, a crisis helpline volunteer who forms an unexpected bond with Walter, played by Daniel P. Lewis. Walter is a man struggling with childhood trauma, addiction and isolation.
Directed by Ruth Carney, whose previous credits include Shetland and Brassic, Amazing Grace marks her feature film directorial debut. The production was filmed in just 11 days and explores themes of trauma and shame while delivering a message about hope, compassion and human connection.
Personal story for Lewis
For Merseyside writer, producer and actor Lewis, the project is particularly personal, drawing on his own experiences with mental health. Speaking ahead of the premiere, Lewis said: “This story is incredibly personal to me and one I’ve wanted to tell for a long time. To now be bringing it home for its world premiere, before audiences across the UK can finally see it in cinemas, means more to me than I can properly put into words.”
The film also marks Walters' first leading role in a feature film. She said the story shines a light not only on those experiencing mental health difficulties but also on the people who support them. She added: “We hope audiences will watch and be left with feelings of hope, as hope is being able to see there is light despite all of the darkness.”
Supporting cast and release
The cast also features BAFTA-nominated James Nelson-Joyce, BAFTA-winning Chanel Cresswell and BAFTA-nominated Sonny Walker, alongside Kelly Condron, Angela Lonsdale, Connor McIntyre and newcomer Raphael Murphy.
Amazing Grace is released in UK cinemas by Screenbound Pictures on November 6. ECHO photographer Iain Watts was at the Plaza Community Cinema to capture the famous faces on the red carpet.
