Wallasey actor Daniel P. Lewis writes and stars in a new film, Amazing Grace, which is now showing in UK cinemas. The movie tells the story of a man's conversation with a mental health helpline counsellor named Grace, played by Hannah Walters.
Lewis, 36, said he was at his lowest ebb when his friend Tony Moran introduced him to a man named Walter to address long-standing mental health issues. That conversation changed his life and inspired the film.
From a social media video to a film script
Lewis told the ECHO in an exclusive interview that he was inspired to write the movie after stumbling on a social media video of a veteran on the phone to a suicide helpline. After completing the script, he reached out to Hannah Walters on a whim, thinking she might be interested in the project.
He said: "It's just ridiculous. If I was to write a filmmaker's handbook it would be what not to do because I've done everything unprofessional and unconventional, but by the grace of God it's worked."
Lewis described messaging Walters: "I slid into the DMs of Hannah, I wrote this script. I didn't even second draft it. I sent it and thought she's not going to get back. I got the notification and thought this is her saying no. I opened it and it was her saying, 'Can we have a call?' I thought, she is being very polite to tell me over the phone it's a no."
Community support behind the film
The film was shot in the Merseyside region and stars local talent such as James Nelson-Joyce and Sonny Walker. Lewis credited the giving spirit of the city for helping the project reach completion.
He said: "It's 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. We were filming in a house and next door knocked. We thought, 'Oh we're being a nuisance.' They're probably going to kick us out, but they said, 'If any of your crew want a brew they can sit in here.' Where else would you get that?"
The film had its world premiere at the Crosby Community Plaza and received two standing ovations. Lewis said he was proud to bring the film home to Liverpool, adding that the movie would not have been possible without its Liverpudlian identity.
A personal story turned positive
Lewis, who currently does not have an agent, reflected on how far he has come since his lowest moment. He said: "I wanted to tell a story that meant something to me. But more important meant something to someone else. I haven't shied away from my experiences. I've suffered with my mental health and substance and alcohol abuse. I thought how can I take that negative and turned it into something positive and hopefully this is the story that I've been able to do that with."
Amazing Grace is out in UK cinemas with a number of screenings at the Crosby Community Plaza.
