Mike Clarke

Born 1980-04-07 · Liverpool, Merseyside, England, UK

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.