Sabrina Elba, Ashley Thomas Star in Rom-Com 'Not Like Us'

Writer-director duo Ramla Ali and Richard A. Moore have completed production on their debut feature film, a romantic comedy titled 'Not Like Us.' The movie stars Sabrina Elba and Ashley Thomas and was filmed in East London. The narrative centers on a Somali single mother who challenges her family and cultural expectations by entering into a relationship with a Jamaican man.

This project marks the first feature film for Ali and Moore as writer-directors. Their previous work includes the short film 'Second Coming,' which premiered at the BFI London Film Festival in 2018. The production of 'Not Like Us' took place over a period of six weeks, concluding in early March. The film's premise explores themes of cultural identity and romantic defiance.

Sabrina Elba, known for her roles in 'The Long Call' and 'The Witches,' takes on the lead role of the Somali mother. Ashley Thomas, who has appeared in 'Top Boy' and 'The First,' plays her Jamaican love interest. The supporting cast includes actors such as Shazad Latif and Kadeem Pearse, adding further depth to the ensemble.

The film's synopsis highlights the central conflict: a woman's personal desires clashing with societal and familial pressures. The production team aimed to capture the vibrant atmosphere of East London as a backdrop for this cross-cultural romance. Further details regarding the film's distribution and release date are expected to be announced in the coming months.