Actor Leaves Hollywood to Direct Powerful Indie Film on Homelessness

In October 2025, rising actor Harris Dickinson is preparing for the premiere of his first feature film, "Urchin," a powerful drama about homelessness. Dickinson, who is currently filming a Beatles biopic, has spent the past year balancing his acting career with his passion project.

"Urchin" follows the story of a young homeless man named Mike, played by actor Frank Dillane, as he navigates the cycle of addiction, crime, imprisonment, and relapse. Dickinson, who also appears briefly in the film, has crafted a gritty yet compassionate portrayal of life on the streets, punctuated by surreal, dreamlike sequences that provide insight into Mike's inner world.

The film received a standing ovation and won both the International Critics Prize and Best Actor award at the Cannes Film Festival earlier this year. However, Dickinson remains nervous about discussing the film's sensitive subject matter, acknowledging that he has "tested people" with his ambitious vision and small budget.

Dickinson's journey to directing "Urchin" has been marked by persistence and a deep personal connection to the material. After struggling to secure funding for two years, the actor-turned-director drew on his own experiences of growing up in a working-class family and his volunteer work at a local homeless shelter to shape the film's authentic portrayal of life on the streets.

As Dickinson continues to balance his acting career and his passion for filmmaking, he remains committed to using his platform to tell meaningful stories that challenge audiences and provide a voice for the marginalized.