London’s favourite rap star Stormzy has officially announced #Merky Films, the latest addition to his creative and cultural enterprise under the #Merky title.
Their debut projesct is Big Man, a short film produced in association with Apple and shot entirely on iPhone 16 Pro. Directed by Aneil Karia, who won an Oscar for The Long Goodbye, the film stars Stormzy in the lead role and will be available to watch on YouTube at 8pm on June 18th.
The first images show the rapper in a striking new look, and the film’s tone looks set to be one blending comedy and drama.
The blurb for the film says:
‘Big Man tells the poignant, fictional story of Tenzman, a former rap star now navigating a restless and uncertain chapter of his life. 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.’
Previously, Stormzy has launched #Merky Books to support young Black literary voices, as well as the charitable initiative #Merky Foundation and #Merky FC, which supports young footballers with Black heritage.
#Merky Films is said to also be working on a TV series and a ‘seminal biopic’. You can also expect documentaries and a ‘new-age-mockumentary.’
Stormzy is quoted as saying:
“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.”
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.”
