Stormzy has already conquered music, nightlife (House Party), sport (Merky FC), philanthropy, and literature scenes (Merky Books), Stormzy is coming for cinema. The multi-hyphenate just announced the launch of Merky Films, a production company that will bring British stories to the screen.
“This is something we’ve been working on behind the scenes for a long time: a platform for bold, authentic and powerful British storytelling. A home for original and unexpected art. 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 shared in an Instagram post.
The company’s first production is “Big Man,” a short film centered around a lost former rapper—portrayed by Stormzy—as he grapples with an uncertain future. It was directed by director Aneil Karia and produced in partnership with Apple, and will be available to stream on YouTube from the 18th of June.
Ofc, the film won’t be Stormzy’s first acting role. The rapper previously had a cameo in Michaela Coel’s seminal comedy Chewing Gum and starred in both Brotherhood and the TV adaptation of Malorie Blackman’s Noughts and Crosses. It will, however, be his first lead role.
If Merky Films is anything like Merky Books, it will tell stories that might have otherwise slipped under the radar, and champion marginalized creatives who would’ve struggled to find a voice through traditional avenues.
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