Australia’s film community has lost one of its most distinctive film makers with the passing of the inimitable auteur Paul Cox on Saturday 18 June.
Paul was justly regarded as the father of Australian independent cinema; an iconic filmmaker and a unique voice, he created over 49 projects across features, shorts and documentaries during his lifetime. His influence on the Melbourne film scene, where he made his home after emigrating from The Netherlands in 1965, was immense.
Paul’s imagination and directorial legacy will live on through his enormous and diverse body of work, particularly his features which addressed themes of love and life through a nuanced and complex lens. Humour and pathos featured in films such as Lonely Hearts, Man of Flowers, Innocence, My First Wife, Molokai and Human Touch.
His most recent feature Force of Destiny, which opened the 2015 Melbourne International Film Festival, was a highly personal film and labour of love, presenting a vivid picture of Paul’s lifelong affinity with India and exploring the challenging landscape of his own mortality.
At times regarded as niche, Paul’s work was highly regarded among filmmakers and filmgoers, with a recognition of his distinct directorial style that defied a formulaic approach and delved into explorations of truth, philosophy and the human condition.
His determination to make one final feature, Inferno, a tale of two women searching for peace in a war torn refuge was cut short by his long term battle with cancer. He will be greatly missed.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley
“We sadly acknowledge the passing of talented auteur and iconic Australian director Paul Cox.”
“Paul’s contribution was immense – his legacy and influence on the Australian and international film sector will be felt throughout the industry for a long time to come.”
Quotes attributable to CEO of Film Victoria Jenni Tosi
“With a keen cinematic eye, Paul’s ability to paint a vivid portrait of life, relationships and the world we live in has given us a remarkable time capsule of film to be valued by generations to come.”
“A determined and passionate individual, both personally and professionally, Paul saw the world through a unique lens which inspired his distinctive style of storytelling, whether narrative or factual. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and his many colleagues in the filmmaking community.”