Liverpool has always been a city rich in stories, and a new short film currently in production aims to bring a rarely-seen perspective to the screen.
MR A is an upcoming short film produced by Old Swan Films in partnership with BLCK Productions. Written by Liverpool-based writer, actor and content creator Noah Olaoye, the film follows the life of Ayotunde Akinlade, an English Literature teacher and church youth pastor navigating the expectations placed upon him in both the classroom and the church community.
At its heart, MR A is a story about identity, purpose, self-belief and belonging. It explores the internal struggles many people face when trying to live up to expectations while remaining true to themselves. The film blends humour, heart and authentic storytelling to shine a light on experiences that are often overlooked in mainstream British film and television.
What makes this project particularly significant is its focus on the Nigerian-British experience in the North of England. Drawing from his own upbringing in Liverpool, Noah Olaoye has created a story rooted in faith, family, culture and community. Through MR A, audiences will gain a glimpse into a vibrant world that is familiar to many but rarely represented authentically on screen.
Many people across Liverpool’s churches, schools and community organisations will recognise elements of their own journey in this story. Whether it is balancing responsibility, wrestling with self-doubt, serving others, or discovering purpose, MR A speaks to universal experiences while remaining deeply connected to its local roots.
Supporting Independent Storytelling
Like many independent film projects, MR A relies on community support to bring its vision to life. The production team is currently raising funds to help cover essential costs including equipment, locations, travel, design and post-production. Every contribution helps move the project closer to completion and supports the creation of meaningful stories from our communities.
If you would like to support the project, donations can be made through the official fundraising page:
Support the MR A GoFundMe Campaign
Follow the Journey
To keep up with production updates, behind-the-scenes content and future announcements, follow MR A on social media:
You can also learn more about the project through its official social media presence:
At The Liverpool Ark Discovery Centre, we are always encouraged to see creative projects that explore faith, purpose, identity and community. We wish the entire MR A team every success as they bring this important Liverpool story to life.
