Letitia Wright Set To Star In ‘In The Shadows’; The True Story Of Ramla Ali

Letitia Wright

Letitia Wright is set to take center stage in "In the Shadows," a gripping drama inspired by the true story of Ramla Ali, the pioneering Somali British professional boxing champion. Altitude Film Sales has announced the upcoming title, which will be presented to buyers at the esteemed Cannes festival next week. The eagerly anticipated film is slated for release in the UK and Ireland in 2024.

The narrative of "In the Shadows" revolves around Ali's extraordinary journey, beginning with her escape from war-torn Somalia alongside her family when she was just a young girl. They sought refuge in London, navigating the challenges posed by the civil war. As a teenager, Ali harbored a deep passion for boxing, a secret pursuit as she knew her family would not approve. Driven by her unwavering determination, she defied the odds, triumphing in the England Novice National Championship, the Elite National Championships, and the Great British Championships.

Ali etched her name in history by becoming the first-ever boxer, male or female, to represent Somalia at the 2020 Olympic Games. Furthermore, she achieved an unprecedented feat by emerging victorious in the inaugural professional female boxing match held in Saudi Arabia. Her remarkable journey reached new heights when she claimed her first professional IBF intercontinental title, competing at Superbantam weight in the hallowed halls of Madison Square Gardens. Recognizing her accomplishments, Time magazine honored Ali by naming her one of its esteemed 2023 Women of the Year.

Steering this momentous project is Anthony Wonke, a talented director known for his works such as "Dettori" and "Syria: Children on the Frontline." Assisting him is screenwriter Ursula Rani Sarma, who developed the script in collaboration with Film4. Notably, Sean Bobbitt, the acclaimed cinematographer of "12 Years a Slave," will contribute his visual expertise to the film. Lee Magiday of Sleeper Films and Madeline Sanderson of Curate Films are set to produce alongside Letitia Wright and her 3.16 Productions.

Expressing her excitement about Wright taking on the lead role, Ali shares, "Our personalities and journeys, although in different fields, are strangely similar. Talent aside, because we all know how special she is, Letitia is a woman of great ethics and integrity, and knowing that she will be playing me in a movie is a dream come true. There is no other soul on this earth that would do the film justice like Letitia will."

Wright, who is represented by Jason Sloane and Harris Hartman of Sloane Offer Weber & Dern LLP, reciprocates the admiration, saying, "It's an incredible honor to portray Ramla. Not only is she an incredible woman of strength, dedication, and perseverance, but her journey will impact many lives, and I'm excited for audiences to experience her story."

The collaboration between these talented individuals promises an enthralling cinematic masterpiece that will inspire and resonate with viewers worldwide. As production on "In the Shadows" begins, anticipation mounts for the unveiling of a film that will shine a spotlight on an extraordinary woman and her unwavering pursuit of greatness.