A new film generating major buzz on the festival circuit — and starring Leicestershire actress Posy Sterling — is set for national release, with a special Q&A screening scheduled in Leicester.
Posy takes the lead in Lollipop, a powerful and critically praised drama already hailed for her “bold and urgent” breakout performance.
Picture: Posy Sterling (Stars of Tomorrow)
The film, which hits cinemas across the UK from Friday, June 13, follows the story of Molly — a young mother recently released from prison — as she fights to reunite with her two children. Alongside childhood friend Amina (played by Idil Ahmed), the pair navigate life as single mothers in a gritty, heartfelt narrative about resilience and sisterhood.
Directed by Daisy-May Hudson and backed by BBC Films and the British Film Institute, Lollipop holds special meaning for Posy, from Market Harborough, who describes the role as a deeply personal journey.
“The moment I read the script, I was hooked — I read it seven times before the first audition,” she said. “Molly felt so real to me: fierce, vulnerable, and beautifully flawed. Daisy-May brought a level of authenticity and compassion that made this project incredibly special. I knew it was a story I needed to be part of.”
Before Lollipop, Posy had already begun making waves in the industry. Named one of Screen International’s ‘Stars of Tomorrow’, she recently shared the screen with Saoirse Ronan in The Outrun, and appeared in BBC1’s acclaimed WWII series World on Fire alongside Disney actor Jonah Hauer-King. She also played lead roles in Channel 4’s Person of Interest with Asim Chaudry and ITV’s thriller Playing Nice starring James Norton.
A special Q&A screening of Lollipop will take place at the Phoenix Cinema in Leicester on Monday, June 16. An exclusive Q&A session with Posy will take place afterwards.
Originally from London, Posy moved to Market Harborough at age 10, attending Ridgeway Primary, Welland Park Academy, and Robert Smyth Academy, before training at the prestigious Italia Conti Academy in London.
“All of the cast and crew poured so much love into this project. We knew it was something special while we were making it — we truly did. And now, after working on it for three to four years, to feel that love reflected back is incredibly moving,” Posy told the Leicester Times.
“Watching it now as a complete piece, I’m just so proud of everyone. I can see every moment — the work of each crew member and cast member, and what they brought to it. That’s what I’m witnessing on screen. Yes, you see me playing Molly, but the film was carried by so many people who made it all happen. It was a collective effort, held together by an extraordinary team.”
To see the trailer for the film, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGtv-kVXwUs&ab_channel=DirectorsNotes
For tickets to the Q&A, visit: https://tickets.phoenix.org.uk/
