Memories of MICHAEL SLOWE

[Dave Watterson]

Following the sad news of Michael's death, it would be good to post some memories of the man and his films.

Most of us know at least a few of his films. Some of us were lucky enough to know him personally.

So far as I know, his last appearance on film will be in the film which will open UNICA2025. I hope we can make it available to everyone after that event.

[ned c]

Sad news; I had corresponded with Michael on many occasions when he was a regular entrant (and winner) in the AMPS festivals here in America. Eventually whenever I was in England we would meet for lunch and talk film making. His website is full of his films a wonderful reference to a very fine film maker.

Greatly missed
Ned c

[Ken Wilson]

It was something of a shock this week to hear this news. Yes he was 90 and Michael liked to remind us he was the oldest amongst a group of us who were stood talking in a BIAFF gathering, but even so, he looked well and told me he was planning a new film. We met and chatted at many IAC festivals over the years and had a playful banter poking fun at each other. He would have a dig at my fiction films and I would do the same at some of his documentaries, but they were always well made and he was dedicated and talented. I have written a piece covering some of these memories for FVM if Martin uses them. It is another sad loss and he will be very much missed.

[Dave Watterson]

Thanks, Ned and Ken.

I believe that John Howden will also write something for FVM. In fact it might be nice if many of us sent some memories about him. Martin could have a special "Memories of Michael" edition alongside the usual notices and reports.

[Ken Wilson]

Yes Dave, a good idea. I think his long service to the IAC via his film contributions deserves a bit of something special in FVM. I hope several people will write and send in a few memories.

[Dave Watterson]

I keep trying to decide which were my favourites of Michael's films.

Hounds and the Huntsman is outstanding. It is even more remarkable because he shot it on his own ... often with that huge, heavy wooden tripod he loved.
The Leader of the Pack
On Silk
Pelicans of Guana
Ski Break

but my overall favourite is the charming Potters Lunch

To remind yourself visit www.michaelslowefilms.com/

[Willy]

Imagine... the discussion forum without Michael Slowe. Imagine BIAFF without a movie made by Michael... We will miss you, Michael!
When I heard you passed away it was shocking!

Perhaps he was the most enthusiastic filmmaker in the IAC. "Go on making movies", he told me a few times. "Do not complain about the judging system. Just be happy. I am older than you are. Once I received one star. I accepted it... We have both made long films. We have something in common. Documentaries. We create fiction-stories".

But Michael's style was superb. It was unique. He sometimes made me think of Bernard Hausberger, also an excellent documentary maker, but Bernard was a little bit different. Both IAC-filmmakers made many new friends at BIAFF.

Which one was Michael's best? It's difficult to make a choice. Maybe the one about hunt dogs. What fantastic photography in it! I also loved the spontaneous chats in his movies. He never asked his main characters to learn texts by heart. He also created the right atmosphere, etc... etc...

He made films about very simple things: about a landlord in a pub that looks like a bookshop, about alpacas, a trapezist, a man who runs a tea-shop in a London street and enjoys talking to people... Michael loved socialising! It's amazing that he once tried a still life, but I also enjoyed that one. Michael always stayed in his own country. He didn't go abroad to film golden temples. I was always looking forward to seeing his newest movies. They were never boring. They were captivating from the beginning till the end, even his longest ones.

Actually Michael deserved a life achievement award for all his documentaries, but also for the intense joy he felt as a member of the IAC and his making sense of making the IAC a real warm family.

Something special he did for me: I will never forget BIAFF 2007. I was asked to proposed a toast. Michael filmed it on behalf of Dave. BIAFF Gala Dinner was really unforgettable.

Many thanks, Michael. Many thanks for everything. RIP !

[Willy]

I have forgotten to correct some mistakes in my article about Michael. Sorry for that.