A new British social thriller is taking shape as Lucian Msamati, Merv Lukeba, Ronkẹ Adékọluẹ́jọ́, and Paul Kaye have officially joined the cast of Found, an upcoming feature that blends psychological tension with a pointed examination of systemic bias. Currently in development, Found marks the feature directorial debut of filmmaker and playwright Kalungi Ssebandeke, who will direct from his original screenplay.
Set in a Southern English town, the film centers on Xavier Prince (Lukeba), a deeply troubled man whose attempt at doing the right thing spirals into a nightmare after he is accused of murder. With only circumstantial evidence stacked against him, Xavier faces mounting pressure from the justice system while hiding a recent relapse that could cost him access to his young daughter.
Desperate to clear his name, he turns to his estranged childhood sweetheart Sadie (Adékọluẹ́jọ́), now studying criminal law, to help uncover the truth before it’s too late.
The ensemble cast also includes Joseph Arkley (The Capture), Jumayn Hunter (Attack the Block), and Doreene Blackstock (Sex Education).
The project is being produced under Ssebandeke’s Sse So Production banner alongside Lucky Sunday Pictures, led by producer Henry Hereford (To Leslie). According to Ssebandeke, the film aims to confront the real-world consequences of prejudice embedded within everyday systems.
“Found is a film touching on everyday characters who are impacted by unconscious biases that have devastating effects on both the individuals and society as a whole,” Ssebandeke said in a statement. “It asks the audience to look into their own hearts and question their prejudices. With plans to collaborate with organisations within the criminal justice system, the film aims to have visceral authenticity at its core.”
Ssebandeke first gained recognition with his debut play Assata Taught Me, which premiered in London in 2017 starring Adjoa Andoh as activist Assata Shakur. The production is set to return to Riverside Studios this May with a new cast. In 2023, he also received the JMK Directing Award for his staging of Meetings by Mustapha Matura at London’s Orange Tree Theatre and currently works as an acting tutor at LAMDA.
Behind the camera, Damian Paul Daniel (The Black Cop) joins the project as director of photography, while Liza Carmel (Luther: The Fallen Sun) serves as line producer.
Msamati continues to expand his film and television slate following recent appearances in Conclave and See How They Run, alongside roles in major series including Game of Thrones and Apple TV+’s Slow Horses.
With its focus on justice, perception, and personal accountability, Found positions itself as a socially conscious thriller rooted as much in character as it is suspense.