Mike Clarke
Writing
Biography
Mike Clarke is a British film director and screenwriter whose work spans psychological horror, socially charged drama, and darkly comic storytelling. Known for his cinematic precision and emotionally layered narratives, Clarke has been recognized as one of Britain's most compelling emerging filmmakers. A lifelong cinephile, Clarke began making short films in the early 1990s, earning early recognition from international film critics and publications. After a creative hiatus, he returned to directing in 2013 with a series of award-winning shorts including A Hand to Play (starring Doug Bradley), Paper and Plastic (with Anthony Quinlan), and Love's Innocence Lost (with Damien Ashley). These works earned acclaim on the festival circuit for their atmospheric style and strong performances. His transition to feature filmmaking began with The Stranger, a genre-bending horror co-directed with Paul Gerrard, followed by A Light Through Coloured Glass-a gritty British drama that went on to win over 30 awards worldwide. The film solidified Clarke's reputation for sharp, character-driven storytelling and visual grit. In 2023, he directed Squeeze, featuring Josh Hamilton (Eighth Grade, The Walking Dead) and Sallieu Sesay (Manodrome, Barry), further expanding his international profile. Clarke has completed production on his latest feature, Semolina Pilchard, a crime comedy set for release in 2025. The ensemble cast includes Joe McGann, Jack Ryder, Sophia Leanne Kelly, Louis Emerick, and Tina Malone. He also filmed the hard-hitting short drama Make Believe starring Sophia Leanne Kelly and 6-year old Anastasia Hesketh in her debut.
Known For
As a terminally ill Liverpool gangster summons his estranged eldest daughter back to their hometown after a five-year absence, his youngest daughter, determined to inherit everything, plots to eliminate her.
Semolina Pilchard
Soon after his wife has left him, William finds his life turned further upside down upon meeting Tina, a younger woman with problems of her own.
A Light Through Coloured Glass
When a high school wrestling coach recruits outsider Noah, a student with autism, for his tram, Noah has to confront his overprotective single father and overcome his biggest fear.
Squeeze
After the murder of her husband, Amanda relocates with her daughter, Karli, and purchases a hotel in the countryside. Their fresh start is interrupted by the arrival of a mysterious man who pleads for shelter, fleeing an unknown threat.
The Stranger
A cleaner is called by her agency to cover for a colleague who hasn't shown up to work. After leaving her son with a babysitter, she travels to a large building to undergo the work, but she finds something waiting for her in the shadows.
In The Dark We Bleed
A desperate single mother uses her daughter's imagination as a fragile escape from the harsh reality of their struggling life.
Make Believe
A successful businessman returns to his home town after many years away to attend his father's funeral.