Harris Dickinson’s Urchin lands UK distributor & release date

Picturehouse Entertainment has announced that it has acquired the UK & Irish distribution rights to Harris Dickinson’s acclaimed debut Urchin. The deal was completed with sales agent Charades, and the cinema release date has been announced today as Friday 3rd October.

Urchin tells the story of Mike, a rough sleeper on a quest for redemption, battling both external forces and internal demons that perpetuate a cycle of self-destruction. Sharp, funny, and laced with magical realism, the film shines a light on the strange patterns that keep pulling us back.

The film has received widespread acclaim since its world premiere in Cannes, winning both the Best Actor award for Un Certain Regard and the FIPRESCI Prize. Urchin features a standout lead performance from Frank Dillane (Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Fear The Walking Dead, Harvest). Debut writer-director Harris Dickinson has already established a hugely successful BAFTA-nominated acting career with recent credits including Babygirl, The Iron Claw and Scrapper. Harris will play John Lennon in Sam Mendes’ upcoming films about The Beatles.

Harris Dickinson, writer-director of Urchin, says “Picturehouse is the perfect UK home for Urchin. Their passion for bold filmmaking and unwavering love for cinema is inspiring. I’m proud to launch my debut feature with them and excited for the journey ahead.”

Sara Frain, Director of Distribution for Picturehouse, says “As soon as we saw Urchin in Cannes, we just knew that we had to be involved. The film is sharply funny, poignant and wise, with an outstanding lead performance by Frank Dillane. Harris is an incredible filmmaker, and I feel honoured that he has entrusted us to bring this extraordinary film to UK and Irish audiences, alongside his talented team.”

Urchin was produced by Archie Pearch at Devisio Pictures, with Scott O’Donnell of Somesuch. The film was developed by BBC Film, and was financed by BBC Film, BFI (awarding National Lottery funding) and Tricky Knot. Executive producers are Eva Yates, Ama Ampadu, Alexandra Tynion and Olivia Tyson.