Press release from UTS
Renowned Australian filmmaker Paul Cox usually prefers to let his work speak for him, but he will accept a little more public attention than usual later this month when he receives an honorary doctorate from the University of Technology, Sydney.
Being recognised for his contribution to the creative arts, Cox will also speak at a rare public interview with film critic and journalist Lynden Barber at UTS on Thursday 28 April. He will discuss the many duties of an artist and also his insights into life and death, in the light of his recent struggles with illness.
UTS Dean of Arts and Social Sciences, Professor Theo van Leeuwen, said that Cox was chosen to receive a Doctor of Creative Arts (honoris causa) because of his inspirational filmmaking in a career spanning more than 35 years.
"Paul Cox has made an outstanding contribution to the art of film," Professor van Leeuwen said. "His sensitive imagery, flair for storytelling and the humanism of his work touch viewers at a deeply personal level.
"He is one of Australia's most prolific and unique artists, famous for ignoring the Hollywood model of movie making and respecting the director's cut."
Cox's works such Vincent: The Life and Death of Vincent van Gogh (1987) and The Diaries of Vaslav Nijinsky (2001), Lonely Hearts (1982) and Innocence (2000) have won critical acclaim domestically and internationally. Awards include the Grand Prix of the Americas (Best Film), the People's Choice Award at the Montreal World Film Festival and five Australian Film Industry awards.
His concern for storytelling and capturing the performances of his actors has resulted in ongoing screen relationships with many of Australia's most respected actors including Claudia Karvan, Wendy Hughes and Jacqueline McKenzie.
An Evening with Paul Cox is being held from 6pm on Thursday 28 April at UTS's University Hall, 745 Harris Street, Ultimo. The interview with Lynden Barber will be preceded by a screening of Cox' work The Remarkable Mr Kaye (2005).
He will receive his honorary doctorate and address graduating students of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at a ceremony the following day.