‘Top Boy’ Star Jasmine Jobson to Lead Biopic on Boxing Champion Ramla Ali, ‘In the Shadows’

‘Top Boy’ Star Jasmine Jobson to Lead Biopic on Boxing Champion Ramla Ali, ‘In the Shadows’

As a fan of inspiring stories and powerful performances, I am absolutely thrilled about the upcoming biopic “In the Shadows,” starring the phenomenal Jasmine Jobson as Ramla Ali! Having followed Jobson’s career since her breakout role in “Top Boy,” I can confidently say that she has the talent, passion, and authenticity to bring Ali’s incredible story to life.


Filming is currently taking place in London for the biographical film titled “In the Shadows,” featuring BAFTA-award-winning actress Jasmine Jobson portraying real-life female boxing champion Ramla Ali.

Jobson, fresh from her triumph at the TV awards for her performance in “Top Boy,” has been cast as Ali in the upcoming film. This character harbored a clandestine ambition to become the first Somali-British professional boxing champ.

In the production, Finn Cole (“Peaky Blinders,” “Last Breath”), portrays Richard Moore, Ali’s husband on screen, while Gershwyn Eustache Jr (“Andor,” “Small Axe,” “Fortitude”) assumes the role of Ali’s boxing coach. Interestingly, the real-life couple, Ali and Moore, are involved in the project as executive producers.

“At its core, ‘In the Shadows’ tells an exceptional love story, intertwined with a deep family saga. This tale centers around Ramla and Richard, an interracial pair, and highlights their struggles and victories within society’s racial and cultural hurdles. Their unwavering resilience and mutual encouragement make them stand out as inspiring figures for the future.”

As a gamer, it’s an absolute privilege for me to step into Ramla’s shoes and be given the chance to spread her extraordinary tale. Not only will I honor her skills, courage, and resilience as a groundbreaking athlete, but also as an incredibly inspiring Somali woman who has triumphed over immense hardship. Her journey of seeking refuge in the U.K. is crucial and holds the power to enlighten and motivate people during these times of great discord. I can’t wait to dive into this incredible adventure!

Jobson’s talent was admired by Ali, who expressed, “Just like everyone else, I fell in love with Jasmine after witnessing her outstanding portrayal of Jaq in Top Boy. She truly grasps the essence of growing up in London and the struggle to assert oneself and find one’s place in life. Her performance is imbued with a remarkable authenticity, grittiness, and genuine emotion that can’t be learned. I am thrilled at the prospect of seeing her portray me on screen.”

Ali became the pioneer, both male and female, to represent Somalia in the 2020 Olympic Games. She also secured the inaugural victory in a professional female boxing match in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, she claimed her first IBF intercontinental title at Super bantamweight at Madison Square Garden, which later earned her a spot among TIME magazine’s 2023 Women of the Year.

The film “In the Shadows” marks the narrative fiction film debut of Anthony Wonke, a documentary filmmaker who has previously won an Emmy and three BAFTAs for his work in documentaries (“Dettori”, “Syria: Children on the Frontline”, “Ronaldo”). Ursula Rani Sarma, known for scripts such as “Bodkin” and “Delicious”, is responsible for its screenplay.

The movie is overseen by Zygi Kamasa from True Brit Entertainment, Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, Mike Runagall from Altitude, Anushka Shah from Civic Studios, Richard Fearn and Jane Reid Fearn from Affine Films, Natasha Mudhar from The World We Want Studios, and Anne Sheehan, along with Ali and Moore. These individuals are the executive producers of the film.

The movie is set to hit cinemas all over the U.K. and Ireland in 2025. Altitude will be responsible for managing international distribution of the film.

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2024-08-06 12:54