Thanks to his leading role opposite Nicole Kidman in "Babygirl," Harris Dickinson may have ascended to the throne as Hollywood's latest It boy. However, this British actor has already embarked on a journey behind the camera, making waves in the industry. Dickinson's directorial debut, the feature film "Urchin," currently in the throes of post-production, is en route to the prestigious European Film Market in Berlin, where Charades will spearhead its sales endeavors. In the United States, Gersh and UTA Independent Film Group are collaboratively representing this cinematic endeavor.
Penned by Dickinson himself, whose acting resume boasts credits in "Triangle of Sadness," "Blitz," and "The Iron Claw," "Urchin" tells the tale of Mike, a homeless Londoner caught in a vicious cycle of self-destruction as he strives to reclaim his life. The narrative, described as both "raw and absurd," delves into the peculiar patterns that inexplicably pull us back into our past. Starring Frank Dillane, known for his roles in "Harvest" and "Fear the Walking Dead," as Mike, the film also features Megan Northam ("Rabia," "Meanwhile on Earth"), alongside Amr Waked, Karyna Khymchuk, and Shonagh Marie, promising a stellar ensemble cast that brings depth and dimension to the story.
"Urchin," a cinematic gem, boasts production prowess from Archie Pearch of Devisio Pictures and Scott O'Donnell of Somesuch. Spearheaded by BBC Film, the venture is generously funded by BBC Film, BFI, and Tricky Knot. At the helm of executive production are Eva Yates, Ama Ampadu, Alexandra Tynion, and Olivia Tyson, whose guidance has been instrumental. The film's narrative unfurled amidst the vibrant streets of East London.
"Urchin signifies a thrilling inception for Devisio and a daring stride for Harris, both as a screenwriter and a director," remarked Pearch, who, alongside Dickinson, launched Devisio in 2024. "Harris is a filmmaker who dares to tread uncharted territories, infusing raw emotion and a distinct perspective onto the silver screen. Urchin mirrors his profound personal ties to these issues and his relentless commitment to his community. Frank Dillane's portrayal is nothing short of mesmerizing—vulnerable yet unexpectedly humorous, elevating this film to a realm of uniqueness."
Echoing this sentiment, producer O'Donnell added, "Urchin has been an exhilarating journey. Harris has proven himself to be an exceptional storyteller and director, shedding light on characters all too often neglected in cinematic narratives. The synthesis of Harris's singular vision and Frank Dillane's exceptional embodiment of Mike has yielded a bold and pivotal film."
The film's department heads are a Who's Who of talent, including cinematographer Josée Deshaies (renowned for "Passages" and "The Beast"), casting director Shaheen Baig (whose credits include "The Favourite" and "Lady Macbeth"), production designer Anna Rhodes ("Rye Lane"), costume designer Cobbie Yates ("Layla"), and BIFA Award-winner Lisa Mustafa for makeup and hair ("Bird").
"Harris' heartfelt script and visionary approach to the project captivated us from the onset," shared Carole Baraton, co-founder of Charades. "We are firm in our belief that he is a voice that deserves to resonate globally, and we are eager to partner with his diligent and supportive producers, Archie and Scott, in bringing his vision to life."
Dickinson and Devisio are represented by Brillstein Entertainment and Gersh, with legal counsel provided by Sloane Offer Weber & Dern and Sheridans. Dillane is represented by WME and B-Side.
In essence, "Urchin" is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling, skillfully woven by a talented ensemble dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and experiences.
