| Animol | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ashley Walters |
| Written by | Nick Love |
| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Tasha Back |
| Edited by | Danielle Palmer |
| Music by | Swindle |
Production companies |
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Release date |
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Running time | 90 minutes |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Language | English |
Animol is a 2026 British drama film directed by Ashley Walters in his feature length debut, and written by Nick Love. It stars Tut Nyuot, Vladyslav Baliuk, Stephen Graham and Sharon Duncan-Brewster.
The film had its world premiere at the Perspectives section of the 76th Berlin International Film Festival on 14 February 2026, where it won the FIPRESCI Prize for Best Film.
Cast
[edit]- Tut Nyuot as Troy[1]
- Vladyslav Baliuk as Krystian
- Sekou Diaby as Dion
- Stephen Graham as Claypole
- Sharon Duncan-Brewster as Joy
- Ryan Dean as Mason
Production
[edit]The film was developed by Film4 in collaboration with Joi Productions. It is written by Nick Love and marks the feature length directorial of Ashley Walters. It was produced by Joy Gharoro-Akpojotor and Tom Hawkins in association with Walter’s production company SLNDA and Love’s company Rogue State.[2]
The cast is led by Tut Nyuot and Vladyslav Baliuk, with Stephen Graham and Sharon Duncan-Brewster in supporting roles.[3] The film is working with the Synergy Theatre Project and Intermission Youth Theatre, to give opportunities as supporting artists to those considered of potential risk of entering the criminal justice system.[4]
Principal photography began in January 2025.[5][6]
Release
[edit]It premiered at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival.[7]
References
[edit]- ^ "Animol | Berlinale". www.berlinale.de. Retrieved February 6, 2026.
- ^ Ntim, Zac (January 29, 2025). "Ashley Walters Sets Debut Directorial Feature 'Animol'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ "Ashley Walters begins production on his debut feature film 'Animol'". Sky. January 29, 2025. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Gesingser, Gabrielle (January 29, 2025). "Ashley Walters begins production on his debut feature film 'Animol'". kftv. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ "Ashley Walters starts work with 'Animol' intentions". Voice. January 29, 2025. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Ritman, Alex (January 29, 2025). "Stephen Graham Among Cast of 'Top Boy' Star Ashley Walters' Directorial Debut 'Animol' as Production Begins (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved January 29, 2025.
- ^ Keslassy, Elsa; Shafer, Ellise (January 20, 2026). "Berlin Film Festival Full Lineup: 'Rosebush Pruning' Starring Riley Keough and Callum Turner, Channing Tatum's 'Josephine' and More". Variety. Retrieved January 20, 2026.