Idris Elba has shared the trailer for his directorial debut on Twitter. In a video message, Elba said “I’m so thankful that I’m lucky to do different things in the arts, to make a living, and also for the culture”. He went on to say “I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades, master of all of them, joking”. He also introduced ‘Yardie’ as “an opportunity for me to bring everything that I love, from photography to music to acting into one art form”. He also confirmed that the film will premiere this weekend at London Sundance Festival.  

Excited to show you all the official trailer for my directorial debut film @YardieFilm Check it out pic.twitter.com/Ed2trYP7ic

— Idris Elba (@idriselba) 1 June 2018

‘Yardie’ is an adaptation of Victor Headley’s novel of the same name. The story follows D, a drug smuggler who travels from Jamaica to the dark streets of London. Aml Ameen stars as D, with a supporting cast featuring Stephen Graham, Fraser James, and Naomi Ackie. The film will have a general release later this year.