Stormzy has announced he’s launching his own film production company – and will star in its first release.
Merkyfilm, like the rapper’s other projects #Merkybooks and #MerkyFC, will focus on celebrating black British stories and talent, he says.
Its debut project is the short film Big Man, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Aneil Karia, whose credits include The Long Goodbye and Surge.
It will be released on YouTube on June 18th and stars Stormzy as a former rap star embarking on an unknown new chapter.
The film, produced by Apple, is the London rapper’s first main role.
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The short’s billboard credits him as Michael “Stormzy” Omari, which combines his true name with his more well-known alter-ego.
“It captures the joy, the spirit and the fearless energy of youth and I hope it inspires you to dream big,” he said, as he announced the project.
In the film, which was shot entirely on a phone, Stormzy plays Tenzman, who rediscovers his love of music after forging a bond with two young boys, Klevis and Tyrell.
Klevis Brahja, 15, makes his acting debut as his namesake, after being scouted on the street.
Tyrell is performed by Jaydon Eastman, 14, who has previously been on the West End as Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda the Musical and Little Michael in MJ The Musical.
‘Telling Our Stories’
Stormzy has been working on #Merkyfilm “for a long time” and thinks it will be “a platform for bold, authentic, and powerful British storytelling”.
“I always say: music is my first love, but film is my second.
It’s a natural extension of everything we do at #Merky – telling our stories, shining a light on real voices and creating space for those who deserve to be seen and heard.”
Stormzy founded #MerkyBooks six years ago, with an annual prize aimed at increasing access to the publishing sector for a broader range of perspectives.
In 2022, he added #MerkyFC (Football Careers) to his portfolio, with the goal of assisting those seeking opportunities in the sports business, including a youth hub in Croydon that opened last year, equipped with a full-size football pitch, recording studio, and gaming center.
As well as Big Man, Stormzy also announced other film projects in the pipeline.
These include a drama series, animation project and a mockumentary as well as a biopic that his representatives say “promises to leave a lasting cultural mark”.
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