Matt Cimber (born Matteo Ottaviano Cimber, January 4, 1931) is an American film director, producer, and screenwriter. He is best known for his work in the 1970s, particularly The Witch Who Came from the Sea (1976), Butterfly (1982) and The Honeymoon Killers (1969).
Cimber was born in Rome, Italy, to American parents. He started his career in Naples, Italy, as a costume designer before moving to Hollywood, California in the early 1960s. He soon secured a job as a production assistant on the film, The Wild Angels (1966).
Cimber went on to direct a number of films, including The Witch Who Came from the Sea (1976), which starred Millie Perkins and was based on a novel by Robert Bloch. The film was praised by critics for its surreal visuals and disturbing themes. He also directed Butterfly (1982), starring Stacy Keach and Pia Zadora, which was a success at the box office.
Cimber's other notable films include The Honeymoon Killers (1969), starring Tony Lo Bianco and Shirley Stoler. The film is based on a true story and tells the story of two lovers who become a murderous team. Cimber also directed The Naked Zoo (1971), starring Michael Parks and Barbara Leigh, and The Daughters of Satan (1972), which starred Tom Selleck and Mary Woronov.
Cimber has also worked as a television director. He helmed episodes of Tales from the Crypt (1989–1996), Quantum Leap (1989–1993) and The Outer Limits (1995–2002).
In recent years, Cimber has focused on producing, with credits including the comedy The Wrong Girl (1999) and the horror film Dark Reel (2008).
Cimber's career has earned him a number of awards, including the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama for Butterfly (1982). He has also been awarded the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Director for The Witch Who Came from the Sea (1976).
Cimber continues to work in the film industry and is currently producing a documentary about the making of The Witch Who Came from the Sea.
