This Is Birmingham, a gritty crime drama produced on a shoestring budget by a local filmmaker, has climbed to No.5 in Amazon Prime UK's top ten films, going head-to-head with Hollywood heavyweights like Sydney Sweeney and Ryan Gosling. The film, written, directed, produced by and starring Kay S. Ubhi, explores themes of family, loyalty, and the consequences of gang culture, all set against the backdrop of Birmingham.
Independent Film's Success on Streaming Platform
Achieving a top-five spot among major studio releases is a remarkable feat for a film made without traditional studio backing. This Is Birmingham has not only garnered attention for its raw storytelling but also for showcasing the city's locations and filmmaking talent. Its rise on the platform has sparked plans for a television spin-off, with Ubhi and his team developing the story into a series format to reach an even wider audience.
Creator Kay S. Ubhi's Vision
Ubhi, who also portrays the central character, said: "As the actor portraying the central character and the creator of This Is Birmingham, I set out to tell a unique Birmingham story with determination, persistence and a passion to create something meaningful. I never imagined the film would go on to reach Amazon Prime UK's top ten, become the top trending title, and rank alongside major Hollywood productions. Seeing this journey unfold has been an incredible and surreal experience."
Plans for a TV Series
Following the film's streaming success, the team is actively working on expanding the narrative into a television series. This expansion aims to delve deeper into the characters and the city's complexities, continuing to highlight Birmingham's unique voice and creative talent. Ubhi described the journey as "long and challenging" but expressed hope that the achievement will inspire other independent filmmakers.
Message to Independent Filmmakers
Ubhi added: "It's been a long and challenging journey to get here, with many obstacles along the way. I hope this achievement not only inspires other independent filmmakers, but also shows that stories created outside the traditional system can still connect with audiences on a much larger scale." The film is currently available to stream on Amazon Prime UK.
