The Pearl Comb by Ali Cook: Mythic Historical Drama to Screen at CIFF

Ali Cook’s short The Pearl Comb explores a mystical medical miracle in 19th Century England

Los Angeles, CA (March 18th, 2025). When a fisherman’s wife (Beatie Edney—‘Highlander’), captures the attention of the medical profession as the first person to ever cure someone of tuberculosis, a doctor (Ali Cook—‘Kajaki’) is sent to investigate her miraculous claim. Determined to prove that a woman’s place is in the home and not practicing medicine, he soon discovers the source of her unearthly power.

Writer & Director Ali Cook’s, The Pearl Comb, tells a thought-provoking and captivating story blending historical drama with elements of myth and mystery. Its narrative highlights the resilience of women in a time when their voices were often silenced, drawing inspiration from the true story of the ‘Edinburgh Seven.’

It was nominated for five awards at the British Short Film Awards 2024, winning two, and will screen at the upcoming, Oscar-qualifying, Cleveland International Film Festival.

The Pearl Comb follows Ali’s BAFTA long-listed short, The Cunning Man. It screened at 88 international film festivals, including the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF), FrightFest, the Oscar-qualifying Cinequest, and the BAFTA & BIFA qualifying Norwich Film Festival—winning 33 awards. It was also nominated for the Melies D’Argent. His writing career began with writing and starring in seven (7) of his own comedy series.

The Official Trailer for The Pearl Comb Directed by Ali Cook

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His series, Dirty Tricks (Channel 4), was nominated for a British Comedy Award. He’s also an actor, best known for playing Sgt Paul McMellon in the BAFTA-nominated Kakaki (Dir. Paul Katis), How To Fake A War alongside Katherine Parkinson (Dir. Rudolph Herzog), and as series regular DCI Simmons in Ragdoll for AMC. His next project will be a feature; The Grimoire is currently in development with Stigma Films.

Producer Matthew James Wilkinson runs Stigma, which has produced seventeen features to date, most recently Odyssey, written and directed by Gerard Johnson (Muscle), starring Tom Davis. He also produced, Yesterday, for Working Title Films, written by Richard Curtis, directed by Danny Boyle, and released by Universal.

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“The Pearl Comb is a film that celebrates the intelligence and power of women. It also critiques the societal structures that seek to suppress them. With its exquisite costume design and meticulous attention to historical accuracy. It’s a solid, must-watch piece of cinema that will leave a lasting impact.” – Auguri Film Festival.

The Pearl Comb will screen at the Cleveland International Film Festival. It is premiering on April 4 at the Allen Theatre at 9:50 pm. Also, it will be available on CIFF Streams from April 6-13. Find more information here.

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