# Ashley Walters' 'Animol' directorial debut

> Ashley Walters' gritty new film 'Animol' premieres at London Film Festival.
- Title: Ashley Walters' 'Animol' directorial debut · NME | Shortify
- Summary: Ashley Walters' gritty new film 'Animol' premieres at London Film Festival. Ashley Walters' directorial debut 'Animol' premieres at BFI London Film Festival…
- Keywords: ashley walters, animol, top boy, stephen graham, bfi london film festival, tut nyuot, music, culture, Ashley, Walters', 'Animol', directorial
- Source: NME — https://nme.com/news/film/ashley-walters-animol-top-boy-directorial-debut-stephen-graham-3972215
- Published: 2026-10-05T13:57:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: ashley walters, animol, top boy, stephen graham, bfi london film festival, tut nyuot, music, culture
## Animol premiere
Ashley Walters' directorial debut Animol premieres at BFI London Film Festival on October 11.
## Film plot
Animol follows Troy Tut Nyuot as he navigates gang violence and loyalty in a young offender institution.
## Cast details
Vladyslav Baliuk plays Krystian, Sekou Diaby portrays Dion, and Sharon Duncan-Brewster is Joy.
## Stephen Graham role
Stephen Graham stars as welfare worker Claypole in the film.
## Walters' perspective
Walters described Animol as the 'hardest thing' he's ever done while discussing working-class imposter syndrome.

> On arriving behind bars, Troy quickly comes into the orbit of two people who will define his life inside: dominant kingpin Dion and wisecracking Krystian. Will these relationships help him survive, or bring about his downfall? Having already carved out a career as one of the UK’s most talented actors, Walters now emerges as an exciting filmmaking voice
## Premiere details
Animol premieres at BFI London Film Festival on October 11 before a full release on October 30.
## Key takeaway

Ashley Walters' directorial debut 'Animol' premieres at BFI London Film Festival on October 11.