A new documentary about Tasmania’s leading entrepreneur, Robert Clifford, is set to premiere on May 4 at the State Cinema in North Hobart.
‘The Bastard’s a Genius, the Robert Clifford Story’, traces Clifford’s journey from a disinterested schoolboy to a prophet of technological change who is working to convert the world’s marine industry to sustainable electric powered ships.
The documentary features interviews with colleagues who have worked with Clifford for over half a century, family members who have supported him through the trials and tribulations of creating a world-class ship building industry in Tasmania, and others who knew him best.
Charles Wooley and Robert Heazlewood, longtime television colleagues of Clifford, produced the documentary alongside local cinematographer Adam Reibel.
The documentary focuses on Clifford’s company, Incat, which was initially successful at building ships with diesel engines.
However, Incat is now pioneering electric ferries for some of the world’s top ferry operators, and works with global leaders including Elon Musk.
Despite the challenges faced by private enterprise, Clifford remains optimistic about the future of his company and the electric ferry concept.
At 80 years old, Clifford says he is still as ‘motivated and innovative’ as ever.
He is already looking to the future and is excited about what the next ten years hold for him, Incat, and Tasmania.
“I have more work to do in the next ten years than I have done in the last fifty. It is going to be very exciting for me, for Incat, and for Tasmania as we drive our electric concept forward,” Clifford stated.
SEE THE TRAILER:
