British actor Ashley Walters, known for Adolescence and Top Boy, is to star in Echoes, a new London-set short film written and directed by Alex Lanipekun. The project brings together a notable cast and creative team, and signals continued output from Rebel Island, the production banner Lanipekun co-founded with Game of Thrones actor Nathalie Emmanuel, who also stars and produces.

Emmanuel, Emmett J. Scanlan and Leo Gregory join Walters in the cast. The film follows two men, Andre (Walters) and Robert (Gregory), whose lives intersect as they confront their boarding school past and resurfacing memories, exploring male friendship, mental health and childhood trauma. Mental health charity Mind is officially supporting the short, while fashion house Armani is providing bespoke costumes. Executive producers include Nicholas Pinnock, Lee Knight and James Dean, with a score by Grammy-winning producer Al Shux.