Stormzy has launched #Merky Films, and announced its debut project Big Man. Find all the details below.
The grime star’s new venture is the latest addition to his creative and cultural enterprise under the #Merky umbrella, following #Merky Books, #Merky Foundation and #Merky FC.
Short film Big Man – produced in association with Apple, and shot entirely on an iPhone 16 Pro – stars Stormzy in his first-ever lead acting role. It’ll premiere on YouTube at 8pm BST next Wednesday (June 18).
Directed by Academy Award-winner Aneil Karia, Big Man tells “the poignant, fictional story of Tenzman, a former rap star now navigating a restless and uncertain chapter of his life”.
The synopsis adds: “When two mischievous young boys – Klevis and Tyrell – unexpectedly enter into his carefully guarded world, the unlikely trio forge a transformative bond – one that awakens Tenzman’s dormant musical passion, impulsive joy and fragile optimism.
“Blending humour, vulnerability and quiet transformation, the film thoughtfully explores themes of reconnecting with your younger self and embracing gratitude.”
Stormzy’s expansion into the world of film and visual storytelling aims to champion new voices, fresh, powerful narratives and innovative forms of expression within British cinema and TV.
“#Merky Films’ endeavour is to create projects that connect communities, celebrate culture and inspire meaningful change,” a description reads.
Additionally, #Merky Films is currently developing a “powerful drama series” as well as a “seminal biopic that promises to leave a lasting cultural mark”. Fans can also expect documentaries, a new animation project and “a boundary-pushing, new-age mockumentary”.
Stormzy explained: “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.”
He continued: “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.”
In other news, Stormzy returned last month with a new freestyle song called ‘Sorry Rach!’. He has since teamed up with Jvck James on the collaborative track ‘Easier Done Than Said’.
Stormzy’s third and latest album, ‘This Is What I Mean’, was released in 2022. It reached Number One in the UK, and was nominated for Album Of The Year at the BRIT Awards 2023. The rapper then won the Hip-hop/Grime/Rap Act statue at this year’s ceremony.
Earlier this year, it was announced that Stormzy would be receiving an honorary doctorate from Cambridge University.