FKA Twigs makes movie debut in US crime-drama 'Brighton Beach'

British singer FKA Twigs is to make her movie debut in US crime-drama Brighton Beach, which is being produced by Birdman executive Molly Conners.

Currently in post-production, the under-the-radar contemporary feature follows the rivalry between a family-run medical practice and a local mob boss caught up in a multi-million dollar Medicare fraud racket.

Twigs will co-star opposite rising UK actor Barney Harris, whose first roles include appearances in Ang Lee’s upcoming awards hopeful Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk and hit UK TV series The Hollow Crown.

Also featuring among cast are Costa Ronin (The Americans), Sofia Vassilieva (Medium) and Michael Kingsbaker.

Currently in post-production, the film marks the feature debut of Russian-American writer-director David Gutnik who previously lived in the film’s eponymous Brooklyn neighbourhood and whose previous credits as editor include Four and Heartlock.

DoP is acclaimed Romanian cinematographer Oleg Mutu whose collaborations with Cristian Mungiu include Palme d’Or winning 4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days. Mutu most recently shot Tomasz Wasilewski’s Berlin winner United States Of Love.

Giulio Marantonio (Kicks) and Michelle Booso also produce.

The production has yet to reveal whether Twigs (whose real name is Tahliah Debrett Barnett) will also contribute to the film’s music.

The alternative R&B singer, songwriter and dancer, who directs most of her music videos, became known for extended plays EP1 (2012) and EP2 (2013) before releasing debut studio album LP1 in 2014.

Conners’ executive producer credits for US financier Worldview include multi-Oscar winner Birdman, Warren Beatty’s Rules Don’t Apply and TWC drama Tulip Fever, starring Alicia Vikander. Brighton Beach marks her first film as an independent producer since she joined Worldview in 2009.

FKA Twigs is represented by WME. Director Gutnik is represented by WME and Pulse Films.