Philippe Mora is a multifaceted artist and filmmaker with an impressive resume to his credit. Born in Paris in 1949 to Georges and Mirka Mora, he moved to Melbourne, Australia with his family in 1951. His parents, who were both influential figures in the local artistic and cultural scene, founded the Tolarno Galleries in 1967.
In 1967, Philippe Mora moved to London to pursue his passion for art and filmmaking. He became acquainted with artist Martin Sharp, who encouraged him to join The Pheasantry, an artists' colony in Chelsea. One of his flatmates during this time was the renowned musician Eric Clapton.
Mora's artistic career flourished, with his work featured in various exhibitions and publications, including the iconic "The Beatles Illustrated Lyrics". He also began to explore his interest in filmmaking, collaborating with producers David Puttnam and Sandy Lieberson on documentaries such as "Swastika" and "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?".
In the mid-1970s, Mora returned to Australia, where he co-founded "Cinema Papers", a prominent film magazine. His breakthrough film was "Mad Dog Morgan", a critically acclaimed biopic about the outlaw Daniel "Mad Dog" Morgan. The film's success led to Mora working with American actor Dennis Hopper on "The Beast Within", a horror film that showcased his ability to balance artistic and commercial endeavors.
Mora's subsequent films included the "Howling" series, "Communion", and "According to Occam's Razor", a documentary that explored the intersection of science and the paranormal. Throughout his career, he has continued to push boundaries and challenge audiences, earning him a reputation as a visionary filmmaker and artist.
In addition to his filmmaking work, Mora has also written for "Art Monthly Australia" and contributed to the documentary "Not Quite Hollywood", a celebration of Australia's exploitation cinema. His remarkable career serves as a testament to his innovative spirit and dedication to his craft.
