Paul Cox.
Australia’s film community has lost one of its most experienced filmmakers with the passing of Paul Cox on Saturday after a long battle with cancer.
Cox, who was 76, created over 49 projects, including features, shorts and documentaries, during his lifetime.
He was a standard bearer for the independent film scene in Melbourne, where he made his home after emigrating from The Netherlands in 1965.
“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,” Film Victoria CEO Jenni Tosi said.
“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.”
Cox leaves an extensive body of work, with films such as Lonely Hearts, Man of Flowers, Innocence, My First Wife, Molokai, and Human Touch.
His most recent feature, Force of Destiny, opened the 2015 Melbourne International Film Festival, and Cox was working on a new feature, Inferno.
“We sadly acknowledge the passing of talented auteur and iconic Australian director Paul Cox,” said Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley.
“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.”