OK, we admit it, Cliff Twemlow is hardly a house-hold name, but we think he should be. A true maverick, and a pioneer of low-budget independent filmmaking in the region, Cliff was writer, producer, soundtrack composer, and star of a series of startling straight-to-video exploitation classics, all shot on location in Manchester and Salford.
Characterised by droll humour, cartoonish violence, and a general sense that everyone involved is having a wild time, the films offer a snap-shot of the golden age of UK home video entertainment, and are a testament to the drive and ambition of a filmmaker working without a net, in an era before the digital film revolution. Salford Film Festival is proud to present an overview of Cliff’s unique work, together with the world premiere of the previously unreleased short BAD WEEKEND.
We would like to thank David Kent-Watson, Cliff’s regular director / collaborator, for assembling this programme, Steve Powell for his generous assistance in collating material and sourcing contacts for this programme, and Dr C.P. Lee and Dr Andy Willis of Salford University, whose research into Cliff‘s work inspired this tribute. We are hoping that Andy will be able to join us to introduce the screening.
CP and Andy are currently working on a book about Cliff, and would be interested in hearing from people who worked with him on his films and other projects, have copies of his work they would be willing to make available for research purposes, or simply have memories of Cliff’s films and the period in which they were produced.
Contact CP and Andy HERE
Check out CP Lee’s It’s a Hot Un Website for more information on Cliff and other extraordinary local characters.
Steve Powell runs the Jeet Kune Do Jun Fan Martial Arts Academy in Manchester. He recalls his time working with Cliff as stuntman, fight arranger, and supporting actor in many of his films in this four-part interview with Graham Rae here:
PART 1, PART 2, PART 3, PART 4
David Kent-Watson currently runs Ice International Films and Cameo Classics. His recollections of working with Cliff can be found HERE.