I AM RUTH: FIRST LOOK AT KATE WINSLET IN NEW CHANNEL 4 DRAMA

Channel 4 is today releasing a first look image of Academy Award winner Kate Winslet starring alongside Mia Threapleton in I Am Ruth, which will air on Channel 4 later this year.

I Am Ruth is a feature-length instalment of the BAFTA-nominated and female-led drama anthology series I Am, created by BAFTA winning filmmaker Dominic Savage.

This two hour special is produced by Emmy-winning Me+You Productions in association with PGA award winning Juggle Productions (Executive Producers of Mare of Easttown).

The fictional storyline for I Am Ruth was developed and co-authored by Dominic Savage and Kate Winslet, who together have conceived a story for our times about the endemic mental health crisis affecting young people.

The film offers an honest and authentic portrayal of a mother and daughter’s increasingly strained relationship. Winslet stars as Ruth, a loving and concerned mother who witnesses her teenage daughter Freya (Mia Threapleton) retreating into herself as she becomes more and more consumed by the pressures of social media.

Kate Winslet said: “The collaborative and sensitive way in which Dominic Savage goes about creating and filming each episode of 'I Am' is challenging, rewarding and completely immersive. The actors become these roles, and there is simply no room for pretending...

"It's a working environment that any actor would give anything to be a part of, and I can safely say with my hand on heart that I will never forget the things we learnt as we made this piece. The low key, quiet nature in which we put this together is how I aspire to work all the time...

"Often creative environments can be big and overwhelming, but part of Dominic's directorial process is to keep things to a bare minimum and just focus on the actors and the world we are creating alongside him, and with his unwavering support. It was a privilege and an inspiration to work with Dominic Savage. He's simply extraordinary.”

Dominic Savage said: “Creating I Am Ruth for Channel 4 has been an honour as well a sublime creative experience for me. Collaborating closely with the incredible Kate Winslet to bring this important story surrounding child mental health to the screen has been an absolute highlight of my filmmaking career...

"It encapsulates everything that I love about making drama - experimental, raw, instinctive, with fearless acting, and above all, about something that affects all of us in some way. I believe that many parents and children will relate to our story of immense difficulty and hope.”

Krishnendu Majumdar, producer and co-founder of Me+You Productions, said:

“We’re incredibly proud of this searingly powerful drama. It came from the unique and beautiful collaboration between Dominic Savage, one of the most distinctive and visionary filmmakers working today, and Kate Winslet, one of the finest actors and storytellers of her generation. We thank them and Channel 4 for their continued support and belief in making stories that truly matter.”

Caroline Hollick, Head of Drama at Channel 4, said: “Topical, compelling and insightful, I Am Ruth is a story for our times which will resonate with parents and teenagers alike. Kate and Mia’s portrayal of Ruth and Freya is powerful, moving and utterly gripping and we are proud to be bringing it to UK viewers on Channel 4.”

I Am Ruth (1x120”) is created, written and directed by Dominic Savage and the story is by Dominic Savage and Kate Winslet.