Brit Rapper Stormzy Launches Production Company, Unveils Lead Role in Film From Oscar-Winning Director Aneil Karia

Stormzy, the multi-award winning British rapper, singer and songwriter and the most recognizable name to come out of London’s grime scene, has moved into film and TV production with the launch of #Merky Films.

The new venture — which follows on from Stormzy’s #Merky branded book imprint and sports scholarship — has set a purported mission to “champion new voices, fresh, powerful narratives and innovative forms of expression within British cinema and television” and “create projects that connect communities, celebrate culture and inspire meaningful change.”

Alongside launching #Merky Film, Stormzy has also unveiled the company’s debut project, the short film “Big Man.”

Produced in association with Apple and shot entirely on an iPhone, the film is directed by Aneil Karia, winner of the best live action short film Oscar in 2021 for “The Long Goodbye” alongside Riz Ahmed and who recently wrapped a feature-length modern adaptation of “Hamlet” also starring Ahmed, alongside Morfydd Clark, Joe Alwyn and Tim Spall.

Starring Stormzy in his first lead acting role, “Big Man” tells the fictional story of Tenzman, a former rap star now navigating a restless and uncertain chapter of his life. The short film will be officially available to watch on YouTube at on June 18. Aside from music videos, Stormzy’s previous on-screen credits include small roles in the 2016 feature “Brotherhood” and TV series “Noughts + Crosses.”

Other projects being developed at #Merky Fillms reportedly include a drama series and a biopic, plus documentaries, a new animation project and a “boundary-pushing, new-age” mockumentary.

“I always say: music is my first love, but film is my second. #Merky Films is something I’ve been dreaming about for ages — a space for powerful British stories and a solid home for fresh, unexpected art. 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,” said Stormzy.

“I hope you love our first project, ‘Big Man,’ as much as we loved making it. For me, it’s all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth — that feeling like life is one big adventure and the world’s your playground. I hope it inspires you to dream bigger, live louder and hold on to that unapologetic energy that comes with being young.”