Mark Kermode

Known for his outspoken style, critic and presenter Mark Kermode (b. 1963) is one of the most renowned film writers in his home country of Great Britain. Kermode began his career in newspapers and radio in the 1980s and earned a PhD from the University of Manchester with a dissertation on horror fiction. He served as the chief critic for The Observer for a decade and currently writes a monthly film column for the newspaper.

From 2001 to 2022, Kermode hosted the award-winning BBC radio show Kermode and Mayo’s Film Review, which covered new films. After the show ended, Kermode and his co-host Simon Mayo started the popular podcast Kermode & Mayo’s Take. Kermode has published numerous books, including a biography and handling topics such as film criticism. He has also hosted a film-themed TV programme on Channel 4.

At the Midnight Sun Film Festival, Kermode will hold a hard-boiled masterclass on William Friedkin’s classic The French Connection. Additionally, he plays the double bass in The Dodge Brothers, who will accompany the Friday evening silent film concert featuring F.W. Murnau’s City Girl.

Inari Ylinen