Manning Walker’s feature debut, How to Have Sex, was BAFTA-nominated and won the Un Certain Regard Award at Cannes

Molly Manning Walker is set to direct Major Players, a new drama from A24 about a women’s football team.

Manning Walker is also co-writer of the 6 x 30’ series, alongside Yasmin Joseph; it follows two girls on the brink of adulthood and their mission to start a women’s football team. The Channel 4 series is produced by Baby Reindeer’s Matthew Mulot and A24. .

How To Have Sex, Manning Walker’s debut feature film, was developed by Film4 and won the Un Certain Regard Award at the Cannes Film Festival and the European Discovery – Prix FIPRESCI at the European Film Awards. The film also earned two BAFTA nominations for Outstanding British Film and Outstanding Debut by a British Writer, Director or Producer.

Major Players was commissioned by Ollie Madden, director of Film4 and Channel 4 drama, Gwawr Lloyd, commissioning editor, Channel 4 drama and Farhana Bhula, deputy director and head of creative, Film4.

Manning Walker, who also executive produces the show, said: “I can’t wait to bring Major Players to life with this amazing team. It is a coming of age story, filled with first love, grief and bicycle kicks set in your local cage. I’m excited to shine a light on women’s football which I’m a huge fan and supporter of.”

Ollie Madden, director of Film4 and Channel 4 drama added: “Molly is one of the most exciting new filmmaking voices to emerge from the UK in years, and it’s a thrill to be continuing our journey with her on Major Players, alongside Yasmin Joseph and our friends at A24. With its mix of wit, heart and fearless energy, it’s exactly the kind of fresh storytelling we champion across Film4 and Channel 4 Drama.”

Walker was a Screen UK Star of Tomorrow in 2021.