Exclusive Interview: Adrian Walters on ‘Out Standing,’ ‘It Comes in Waves,’ and Finding Purpose in Storytelling

Adrian Walters is more than an actor—he’s a multi-faceted artist whose performances reveal the transformative power of storytelling. With a rare ability to disappear into character, he brings an authenticity and intensity that stay with audiences long after the story is told. His work is a testament to the emotional depth that can be achieved when craft and purpose align.

This year, Adrian has not one but two acclaimed films making their way across the festival circuit. In Out Standing, he steps into the story of Sandra Perron, the Canadian Armed Forces’ first female infantry officer, embodying the loyalty, resilience, and humanity of those who stood beside her. In It Comes in Waves, he immerses himself in the harrowing journey of a family of four who, after fleeing Rwanda’s horrors, begin anew in Ottawa, only to face unexpected challenges and harsh realities in their pursuit of a better life. Together, these projects showcase Adrian’s remarkable range and his dedication to telling stories that demand both truth and compassion.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to catch up with Adrian to discuss the path that brought him to Out Standing and It Comes in Waves, the heroes who inspire him, and how his work behind the camera continues to shape the stories he chooses to tell.

PC: Out Standing is a powerful portrayal of Sandra Perron’s resilience. When a project like this comes your way, what aspect of her journey spoke to you most? And does telling a true story add a different sense of responsibility?
Adrian: Her resilience spoke to the fighter in me. As an artist, I know what it means to persevere in pursuit of something you feel called to.

Daniel’s joy and charm also leapt off the page. He gave Sandra a sense of safety and lightness that I truly enjoyed bringing to life. I had just finished playing a role that was heavy and emotionally taxing, so stepping into this character felt like a refreshing break.

Anytime you portray a real person, it requires attention to detail and immense care, because you’re honoring someone’s lived experience—and that responsibility deserves the utmost respect.

PC: There’s a haunting line in the film where Sandra says she always wanted to be on the front line but never imagined the enemy would be among her own ranks a sentiment that defines the trials and tribulations she endured. Yet it’s characters like yours who see and treat her as an equal. Who in your own life has held space for you in a similar way, and did you channel them into that dynamic?
Adrian: There’s a saying: “Protect me from my friends, I can handle my enemies.” That perfectly reflects Sandra’s journey. It’s true—only the people you love and are loyal to have the power to hurt you. In the film, we see Sandra’s unwavering loyalty, even in the face of everything she endures.

I’ve been fortunate to have hidden heroes who continually show up and hold space for me—my parents, siblings, business partners, and closest friends. God bless them, because I couldn’t do this without their support.

The bond between Sandra and Daniel draws from a special connection I share with a young woman in my life, and I leaned on that relationship as inspiration when shaping the role.

PC: Out Standing is making its world premiere at TIFF, and Sandra’s story carries so much to learn from. In what ways has telling her story impacted you, and what do you hope audiences take away from the film?
Adrian: Yeah, by the grace of God, we made it into TIFF, and the film is truly exceptional—though I may be a little biased. [laughs]

For me, the message is about answering the calling on your life, no matter what obstacles come your way. Who you become in pursuit of what you’re called to do is the greatest gift. Everyone has a purpose, and I’m grateful Sandra leaned into hers, because it gave us the chance to lean into ours through this film.

PC: In addition to Out Standing, you have another film on the festival circuit, It Comes in Waves, which really showcases your range. How did your preparation for that role differ from the work you did on Out Standing?
Adrian: Thanks, my man! We just got back from Birmingham with the film, fresh off winning the Best Narrative Feature Audience Award at the Sidewalk Film Festival. I don’t know if you’ve ever been down South, but that Southern hospitality is real—or maybe they just have a soft spot for Canadian boys. [laughs]

Each role challenges you in a different way, and the process is always exciting, humbling, and sometimes terrifying. For It Comes in Waves, my director Fitch Jean is incredibly meticulous, so I leaned heavily on the research material he provided—books, films, and interviews with genocide survivors. I could feel the weight and pain in their eyes, and that profoundly shaped my approach. We even had two genocide survivors on set as authenticity consultants. To stay connected, I created a playlist that mirrored the emotions I felt from them, while also trying to keep myself light on my feet throughout the shoot.

For Out Standing, the preparation was similar—immersing myself in research and staying physically ready. There was a pull-up scene we all dreaded, so I trained specifically for that. [laughs] Every project is different, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to fully giving yourself to the story. Mélanie [Charbonneau] even had us go through a real-life boot camp experience—eating army rations and taking responsibility for our uniforms and guns—to make sure everything felt as authentic as possible.

PC: There are so many emotional moments in It Comes in Waves. As an actor, how do you create that space for yourself to tap into that vulnerability?
Adrian: Honestly, the script does a lot of the work. This story is heavy, and because it’s based on real events, researching the people involved allowed me to feel emotions far beyond my own experiences.

For me, it comes down to prayer—asking God to help me stay out of my own way—along with love and safety. Feeling safe enough to let that vulnerability be seen and shared is everything. I also rely on my imagination to step into their shoes, to really feel what it might have been like. And it’s only by knowing what love is that you can truly understand what it means to lose it.

PC: You’re also a producer on the film and have written in the past. How has your work behind the camera influenced the way you approach roles on screen, and vice versa?
Adrian: Producing has shown me just how many moving parts and, honestly, how many miracles need to align for someone to simply say “action.” That awareness motivates me to work harder, be more efficient, and continually grow, so I can better serve the stories I’m blessed to be a part of telling.

I’m especially grateful to produce this film with my company, BDB Productions Inc., because it’s a story we deeply believe in. Producing has strengthened my appetite to champion underrepresented stories, whether or not I appear on screen, and it’s given me a new appreciation for collaboration and lifting others up.

Next, I’d love the chance to play a musician from the ’60s and maybe even have a hand in producing it too, God willing.

To keep up with Adrian, follow him on Twitter and Instagram.