Urchin, as seen by Harris Dickinson

What inspired you to make this film?

Five years ago, I started working in my local community, supporting people dealing with homelessness and addiction. I got involved in volunteer-led outreach projects and met individuals battling themselves. That experience made me want to tell a story with empathy, nuance, and humility.

“Frank Dillane is just brilliant to work with: generous, surprising, and completely fearless”

Harris Dickinson

How did you work on the set?

I come from an acting background, so I understand what supports actors and what holds them back. I led with that: creating an environment where both cast and crew could thrive and feel safe and everyone had a shared goal. But I like to push people forward. I think there’s a fine line between being kind and letting things slip. If I felt something could be better, I pushed us to go again. I’m really grateful for everyone who gave their time and energy to something that can be so demanding.

A word about your cast?

Frank Dillane is just brilliant to work with: generous, surprising, and completely fearless. He presents you with ideas you wouldn’t think of, he’s willing to humiliate himself and bare all and that takes bravery and humility.

Megan Northam is a force. I’m so glad she agreed to do this role, even though it doesn’t have loads of screen time, we worked hard to carve out a real and grounded person in the film.

What did you learn from this film?

Something no one really warns you about: stamina. The mental fatigue is real. My brain was constantly spinning. I had to learn how to shut it off or I wouldn’t have been able to focus, let alone rest. From the start of prep to Cannes, it was a full year without a break. That kind of intensity teaches you a lot about yourself, and about your limits.

What would you like people to remember from your film?

I hope people go on the journey with our lead, gain insight into his struggles and come away with a little more empathy for the kind of person you might walk past on the street without really seeing. But I also want people to enjoy the film. It’s not a documentary. There’s levity, there’s humour, and that balance matters to me.

What made you want to get behind the camera? What are your influences?

I’ve been making short films, skate videos, and sketches since I was nine. I grew up in a loud, funny, open house where characters were always coming and going. I got into British social realist cinema early on. It really struck me, that rawness and honesty. But I also wanted space to dream. That is the paradox about my work: it’s a mix of both worlds.