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 (2018) 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 film stars Amel Ameen (The Maze Runner, I May Destroy You), Mark Rhino Smith (Zootropolis), Fraser James (Origin, Terminator: Dark Fate) and Naomi Ackie (Lady Macbeth, I Wanna Dance With Somebody).

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 where (Amel 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. (2015) and Mr Holmes (2015).

Yardie (2018) made its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on Saturday 20^th January 2018 and was released in the UK on Friday  31st August 2018.

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