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 first project is short film Big Man, directed by Oscar-winning film-maker Aneil Karia, known for projects including The Long Goodbye and Surge.
It'll be released on YouTube on 18 June and stars Stormzy as a former rap star navigating an uncertain new chapter.
The film, produced with Apple, marks the first time the London rapper has acted in a lead role.
On the poster for the short, he is credited as Michael "Stormzy" Omari – mixing his real name with his more famous 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.
It's an acting debut for 15-year-old Klevis Brahja, who plays his namesake, who bagged the role after being scouted in the street.
Tyrell is played by Jaydon Eastman, 14, who's already had West End roles including Bruce Bogtrotter in Matilda the Musical and Little Michael in MJ The Musical.
'Telling our stories'
Stormzy says he's been working on #Merkyfilm "for a long time" and hopes 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 established #MerkyBooks six years ago with a prize each year aiming to increase access to the publishing industry for a wider range of voices.
In 2022, he added #MerkyFC (Football Careers) to his portfolio, aiming to support people who wanted jobs in the sports industry, with a youth hub in Croydon opening last year as part of it, complete with a full-size football pitch, recording studio and gaming centre.
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".
