Empire of Light is a movie written and directed by Academy Award winner Sam Mendes for Searchlight Pictures. Set in the early 1980s, in and around an old seafront cinema, the film stars Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Tom Brooke, Hannah Onslow, Tanya Moodie and Crystal Clarke.
The film follows Hilary (Olivia Colman) a cinema manager struggling with her mental health, and Stephen (Micheal Ward), a young, black employee who longs to escape the provincial town in which he faces daily adversity. Both Hilary and Stephen find a sense of belonging through their unlikely and tender relationship, and come to experience the healing power of music, cinema, and community. With thanks to Katriona Chapman, author of the graphic novel Breakwater, for her story consultancy.
Empire of Light was produced by Pippa Harris and Sam Mendes for Neal Street, and premiered at the Telluride Film Festival on 3rd September 2022. It was nominated for three BAFTAs in 2023 for Best British Film, Best Cinematography and Best Supporting Actor for Micheal Ward.
