Key Facts
Kit Harington, best known for playing Jon Snow in HBO's 'Game of Thrones', has made his directorial debut with the short film 'Psychopomp'. The film is competing for Best UK Short Film at the Raindance Film Festival. It stars Harry Melling and Ciarán Owens, with cinematography by Fabian Wagner.
Details of the Film
'Psychopomp' draws inspiration from Michael Mann's 'Heat' and Martin McDonagh's 'In Bruges'. The story revolves around a desperate man named Harry and a hired assassin named Liam as they embark on a car trip toward a pivotal decision. Harington described the film as exploring 'male depression, male friendship and male vulnerability'.
Behind the Scenes
Harington revealed that the urge to direct had been building for a while. 'I’d be on set as an actor and thinking about how I would shoot a scene, what notes I would give to an actor,' he said. 'You can’t suggest a shot to a director or give a note to another actor on set, and that was a growing need.' The opportunity to take creative control came when he wanted to tell a story about men and their emotional struggles.
Casting was a smooth process thanks to Harington's industry connections. Ciarán Owens was the first to be cast, with Harington praising his 'combination of hard and soft'. Harry Melling was chosen for his 'everyman quality whilst being completely unique'. Cinematographer Fabian Wagner, a collaborator from 'Game of Thrones', brought a 'very grainy feel' and 'Michael Mann realism' to the film, with deliberate pops of color like a golden Range Rover and a pink tutu.
Impact and Reception
Harington described his first day of shooting as 'really special', noting that he had no notes to give the actors because their performances were perfect. 'It was a real joy to actually just watch actors do what they do from a completely different angle,' he said. The film's selection at Raindance, a festival in his hometown of London, made him 'thrilled'. He added that directing feels 'more relaxing' than acting because he is in control and feels 'less exposed'.
What Readers Should Know
- 'Psychopomp' is Kit Harington's directorial debut, premiering at Raindance Film Festival in June 2026.
- The short film stars Harry Melling and Ciarán Owens, with cinematography by Fabian Wagner.
- It explores themes of male depression, friendship, and vulnerability.
- Harington says he feels less exposed as a director compared to acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'Psychopomp' about?
The short film follows a desperate man named Harry (Harry Melling) and a hired assassin named Liam (Ciarán Owens) on a car journey that leads to a life-changing decision.
Where is 'Psychopomp' premiering?
It is playing in competition for Best UK Short Film at the Raindance Film Festival in London.
Why did Kit Harington decide to direct?
Harington felt a growing need to take creative control, having often thought about how he would shoot scenes or direct actors while working as an actor.