Directors UK

07/10/2026

Two new screenings and director conversations!

On Wednesday 14 October, winner of Best Director at this year’s Cannes film festival Paweł Pawlikowski joins us for a screening of his latest film, Fatherland, followed by a conversation on his directing process.

And on Monday 19 October, James Watkins joins us for a screening of Clayface, followed by a conversation on how he brought his signature eye for horror to the DC Universe. James will also be joining us for a drinks reception.

Tickets available for directors with Premium and Advanced membership of Directors UK from Thursday 8 October at 12pm: https://ow.ly/qAXG50ZVjyc

06/10/2026

Yesterday, Directors UK hosted an on-set masterclass on The Assembly with its Series Director Céin McGillicuddy.

Joined by Ali Naushahi, Céin touched on his directorial vision and authorship, editorial discipline, creative problem solving, and how access provisions informed and improved the production for all those involved. After the discussion, members connected with DDN creatives, access specialists and professionals working in the DEI space over networking drinks.

Photo by Jon Cartwright.

05/10/2026

Over this past year, three directors from the regions of England participated in the ScreenSkills High-end TV Regional New Directors Champion Programme, in association with Directors UK.

We caught up with North West-based director Meng-Han Hsieh and her mentor Claire Tailyour on their experience of the programme, benefits of mentorship, why regional support matters, and working together on ITVX’s crime drama The Blame.

Read: https://ow.ly/O74U50ZTXke

02/10/2026

“You’re trying to get not only a factual truth, but you’re also trying to get an emotional truth.” — Philippa Lowthorpe, director of the Emmy-nominated series Prisoner 951, which tells the true story of Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe's imprisonment and the efforts of her husband Richard Ratcliffe to secure her release — speaking at the Directors UK Festival.

01/10/2026

In the news this week for directors, Reel Impact grants elevate mid-senior Black and Global Majority talent, a director examines the pipeline and power problems women directors face, and Bassam Tariq delves into his sophomore feature.

Read now: https://ow.ly/NUP950ZTpRi

30/09/2026

Perspectives, the annual calendar initiative supporting the Mark Milsome Foundation, is returning for 2027 and for the first time directors are invited to share their submissions.

Learn more about the calendar here: https://ow.ly/tLoY50ZT0RL

Submissions: https://ow.ly/xYTT50ZT0RM

The 2026 Luxury Calendar – ‘Perspectives of Space’ is in stock. ORDER HERE Created in collaboration by Andra Milsome and Mark Purvis, and curated by cinematographer, Fabian Wagner FW ASC BSC, the calendar showcases a collection of stunning images captured by an array of camera crew members. Th...

25/09/2026

“The one skill everybody has to have as a director is to create meaning. If you don’t control the meaning, then you’re not directing.” — Baroness Beeban Kidron, speaking at the recent Directors UK Festival.

24/09/2026

In the news this week for directors, eight writer/directors are spotlighted in Screen’s 2026 Stars of Tomorrow lineup, analysts unpack what Paramount’s settlement deal means for the wider industry, and Duncan Jones discusses adapting Rogue Trooper.

More: https://ow.ly/rCa050ZQu9l

23/09/2026

Scenes from Directors UK Festival. “Directing is a lonely job, we are a department of one, and sometimes it’s nice to just have a sense of community, to exchange war stories with your fellow directors.”

22/09/2026

Directors on directing. From Asif Kapadia on being his first audience, to Karim Shah on seeing his work make an impact, this is what you told us about being a director at the recent Directors UK Festival.