Mark Lyken

Mark Lyken is a filmmaker and sound artist based in rural Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. He is affiliated with the University of Aberdeen as a Lecturer, teaching MA Film Practice (Online). His work focuses on observational documentary features, long-term community collaborations, and sound art. Lyken is a member of the British Film Editors and runs the production company Afternoon Films.

Research interests include environmental storytelling, cross-cultural exchanges, and the intersection of sound and visual media. His films often explore human-nature relationships and regional identities, blending observational techniques with experimental soundscapes.

Notable awards include the Hawick in Common Commission (2024) and the DGU ICC Award (2023). Lyken has exhibited widely at festivals like Alchemy Film & Arts, Sonica, and Multiplicidade Festival. His sound releases include albums under pseudonyms like Rural Noise and Janza Slope, exploring harsh noise and experimental audio.

Lyken has held residencies at institutions such as Alchemy Film & Arts, Old KBS Studios in South Korea, and Taipei Artist Village. Collaborations with artists like Emma Dove have produced acclaimed works like The Terrestrial Sea and Mirror Lands.