Stormzy is rewriting the rules—again. This time, the award-winning British rapper, author, philanthropist, and cultural powerhouse is taking on cinema. With the launch of #Merky Films, Stormzy’s creative empire expands into a bold new direction, one that places storytelling and representation at its core.
The studio’s first project? A short film titled Big Man, shot entirely on the iPhone 16 Pro, and set to premiere on June 18. More than just a production milestone, Big Man marks Stormzy’s debut as a lead actor—playing Tenzman, a former rap star navigating an introspective, transitional chapter of his life.
Directed by Academy Award winner Aneil Karia, Big Man captures a stripped-back, emotionally charged portrait of fame, identity, and growth. The choice to film on a phone, albeit the latest model, is symbolic: raw, modern, and rooted in the real. And for Stormzy, who has never shied away from speaking truth through art, this is a fitting debut into film.
#Merky Films is the latest addition to a prolific list of ventures under the #Merky banner, which already includes #Merky Books, #Merky Foundation, and #Merky FC. Each initiative reflects a common mission—to uplift underrepresented voices and ignite cultural change. The film studio is no different.
“Music is my first love, but film is my second,” Stormzy says. “#Merky Films is something I’ve been dreaming about for ages… It’s a natural next step for everything we do—sharing our stories, spotlighting important voices, and making room for those who deserve to be seen and heard”
In collaboration with Apple, Big Man is more than just a launch; it’s a declaration of intent. It positions Stormzy not only as a music icon, but as a multifaceted creative force intent on reshaping British media from the inside out.
In a landscape often short on fresh, authentic perspectives, Stormzy’s entrance into film signals hope for a more inclusive, impactful cinematic future—one where stories like Big Man aren’t the exception, but the new standard.
Enjoyed this story? Follow Ravi Rajapaksha for more stories that inform, inspire, and spark conversation
