Ryan Paton spoke to the cast and crew of Amazing Grace about this important film that wears its Liverpool identity on its sleeve
22:43, 31 Oct 2026
Daniel P Lewis and Hannah Walters star in Amazing Grace (Image: Liverpool Echo)
It’s not often you get to go to a world premiere so it was particularly exciting this week to head to the Crosby Community Plaza for the first ever showing of Amazing Grace. The powerful film stars Hannah Walters and Daniel P. Lewis and features a powerful message on mental health awareness and the importance of reaching out.
In the movie, Hannah plays helpline volunteer, Grace, who bonds over the phone with a man named Walter who is going through a mental health crisis. The independent film was shot on a shoestring budget in Liverpool and puts Scouse talent at the heart of the story. Merseyside’s Daniel P.Lewis, who also wrote the film, put in an incredibly emotional performance as Walter.
The film also features James Nelson-Joyce, who once again showed off his amazing ability to play morally complex characters with his performance as the villainous Karl. All three lead stars were in attendance at the L22 premiere of the film ahead of the movie’s official release on November 6.
The ECHO spoke to Daniel ahead of the event and heard how the community spirit in Liverpool was vital in bringing the film to fruition. He said: “It was 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. Next door opened the door. We thought they were going to kick us out or phone the police. But they actually went if any of your crew want to sit in here and have a brew. Where else would you get that?”
It was director Ruth Carney’s first feature film after an impressive career in TV that includes directing episodes of Call the Midwife, Shetland and Brassic. The movie was shot in just 11 days and she said it was important to put Liverpool at the heart of the film.
Director Ruth Carney and Daniel P Lewis(Image: Liverpool Echo)
She said: “Amazing Grace, in its own way, showcases Liverpool and the fact we’re doing the world premiere here is very important. I’m not from Liverpool, but I am an honorary northerner. It’s important that we do work in the region.”
Hannah is married to Stephen Graham and she said championing Scouse talent like in this film is important to her. The 52-year-old, who hails from Leicestershire, said: “It’s a second home. I’ve been coming here since I was 19. Half of my life has been spent coming back and forth to Liverpool and I have lots of family here. Stephen’s family that I consider my own family and it has a little piece of my heart.”
The film hinges on the moment a person’s life can change by a simple act of reaching out. James Nelson-Joyce told the ECHO the vital message is what attracted him to the project. The This City Is Ours star said: “As an actor, you get into film and TV to tell amazing stories and that’s what this film is. How can you say no really? The beautiful thing about this film is having someone to talk to and someone being there for you.”
James Nelson-Joyce stars in Amazing Grace(Image: Liverpool Echo)
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Ahead of the screening Daniel said his main goal was to tell a story that matters as he told the ECHO: “It’s been a long bumpy road, but that’s independent filmmaking. I’m at the bottom of the ladder for my writing career so I’m not in a position to offer any advice to writers but one thing I would say is write what you know.
“When you’re in and around Liverpool, you’re surrounded by so many amazing people, so many amazing personalities. I’ve had a life where I’ve had a lot of ups and downs. I take those ingredients and I put it into my work.
“I wanted to tell a story that meant something to me, but more importantly I hope would mean something to someone else. I’ve suffered with my mental health, substance and alcohol abuse. I thought, ‘How could I take that negative and turn it into a positive?’ And hopefully this is the story that I’ve been able to do that with.”
He certainly succeeded with his objective as there was barely a dry eye in the house as the film reached its emotional climax. The way the film emotionally resonated with the crowd was laid bare as the evening ended with something I’ve rarely seen before as Ruth, Hannah and Daniel received two standing ovations from the audience to recognise the vital work they have done.
Amazing Grace arrives in UK cinemas on Friday, November 6