Yardie (2018)

Amel Ameen in Yardie leans against a car with a graffiti wall behind. He wears a leather jacket.

Amel Ameen in Yardie (2018) which makes its world premiere 20 January 2018 at the Sundance Film Festival © Alex Bailey

Writer: Brock Norman Brock, Martin Stellman
Director: Idris Elba
Starring: Amel Ameen, Akin Gazi, Mark Rhino Smith, Fraser James, Naomi Ackie
Production Company: BFI Film Fund, BFI, Wrap Films, Studio Canal
Kent Locations Used: The Historic Dockyard Chatham

Yardie is the film adaptation of Victor Headley’s novel of the same name. When a young boy witnesses the murder of his brother in Jamaica in 1973, a powerful don offers the boy a home and new life. Ten years later when he moves to London,his past catches up with him.

This feature is the directorial debut of Idris Elba (Luther, Thor: Ragnarok)  and was written by Brock Norman Brock (Bronson) and Martin Stellman (Quadrophenia). The Yardie stars Amel Ameen (The Maze Runner, Sense8), Mark Rhino Smith (Zootropolis, Creed), Fraser James (Holby City, The Loch) and Naomi Ackie (Doctor Who, The Five).

Several scenes, including high-paced car chases set in London, were actually filmed at The Historic Dockyard Chatham doubling up for East London in the 1970s. The Dockyard also features as the wider area where Rico’s (Stephen Graham ) club is located and D.( Aml Ameen ) is chased through the streets and over the roofs at night by Rico’s men. Thanks to its old Victorian and Georgian buildings the Dockyard is a popular filming site for crime dramas set in London such as The Man from U.N.C.L.E. and Mr Holmes (2015).

Amel Ameen talking to director Idris Elba on set stood in front of a white van

Amel Ameen (D) and Idris Elba in his directorial debut in Yardie (2018) © Studio Canal

Yardie makes its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on 20th January 2018 and is due for UK release on 31st August 2018.

For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.