‘Slow Horses’ Star Antonio Aakeel Makes Directorial Debut With Short Film ‘Lessons in Pretending’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Antonio Aakeel, known for his role in 'Slow Horses,' has made his directorial debut with the short film 'Lessons in Pretending.' The film explores themes of fame and public redemption through the story of a former teen star facing personal and professional crises. Aakeel wrote, directed, and stars in the project, which will be featured in upcoming film festivals.
- ▪Antonio Aakeel has wrapped his first short film as a director titled 'Lessons in Pretending.'
- ▪The film is a darkly comic drama that examines fame, shame, and public redemption.
- ▪Aakeel's character is a former teen film star whose career has collapsed due to scandal.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Home Film News May 21, 2026 9:52pm PT ‘Slow Horses’ Star Antonio Aakeel Makes Directorial Debut With Short Film ‘Lessons in Pretending’ (EXCLUSIVE) By Naman Ramachandran Plus Icon Naman Ramachandran Latest ‘Miracle in Cell No. 7’ Helmer Lee Hwan-kyung Sets ‘Gasigogi’ With Falcon Pictures (EXCLUSIVE) 3 hours ago Penelope Cruz Lights up Los Javis’ Queer García Lorca Epic ‘The Black Ball,’ Earning 16-Minute Cannes Ovation 8 hours ago Supriya Pathak Kapur Makes Directing Debut With India-Australia Co-Production ‘Our Story’ (EXCLUSIVE) 14 hours ago See All Bentley & Shi Productions Antonio Aakeel, whose turn as Hassan Ahmed in Apple TV+’s “Slow Horses” brought him international recognition, has wrapped his first short film as a director.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Variety.
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