Stormzy Announces New Film Studio, '#Merky Films', and His First Lead Acting Role
Today, British rapperStormzyannounced#Merky Films, the latest extension to a growing creative empire he has amassed under his#Merkyimprint. The award-winning artist is also set to star in its very first release,Big Man, a short-film that will see the grime superstar take on his first lead acting role.
#Merky Filmsjoins a roster that includes#Merky Books,#Merky Foundationand#Merky FC –ventures that have kept Stormzy, aka Big Mike, busy outside of music. With a mission to 'champion new voices' and 'celebrate culture and inspire meaningful change' in British cinema,#Merky Filmsdebut project was brought to life with the help ofApple, a coveted partner for the 31-year-old south Londoner.
Directed by Oscar winnerAneil Karia,Big Manwas shot entirely on iPhone 16 Pro and sees Stormzy star as Tenzman, its lead character who's described as being a former rap star 'navigating a restless and uncertain chapter of his life.'
'Music is my first love, but film is my second,' says Stormzy, adding that '#Merky Filmsis something I've been dreaming about for ages.' He describes his latest venture as 'a space for powerful British stories and a solid home for fresh, unexpected art' and says it's 'a natural next step for everything we do at #Merky – sharing our stories, spotlighting important voices and making room for those who deserve to be seen and heard.'
Big Manis set to release June 18 onYouTube.
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