Boxer Ramla Ali: From Olympic Rings to Film Sets

Imagine a refugee from Somalia's civil war who eventually becomes an Olympic boxer. Now, picture that same person starring in a biopic about her life. That's the fascinating journey of Ramla Ali, who recently spoke with Deadline about her upcoming film "In the Shadows" and her new production company, 786 Entertainment. Ali and her husband, Richard Moore, have been involved in every aspect of the film's production, from script development to casting and marketing. They believe "In the Shadows" will resonate with many women in the region, especially those who, like Ali, faced opposition from their families while pursuing their dreams.

The boxer-turned-actress found the filmmaking process surprisingly parallel to her athletic career. Both require immense dedication and hard work, which Ali had abundantly due to her rigorous training as a professional athlete. 786 Entertainment, backed by Saudi Prince Faisal Al Saud and the Vainqueur Family Group, aims to promote local talent in Saudi Arabia. The company will have its headquarters in London but plans to open a production office in Jeddah to support local filmmakers. Moore, Ali's husband and former coach, expressed his surprise at how much she enjoyed the filmmaking process. "Making films is quite tough, " he admitted, but Ali's athletic discipline made the transition smooth.

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