Australian director Burstall dies

Australian movie director Tim Burstall died today at the age of 76 after suffering a stroke, his son said in Melbourne.

One of the pioneers of Australia’s film industry, Burstall’s 50-year directing career saw him make movies such as Stork, Alvin Purple, Mrs. Fraser and Attack Force Z starring Mel Gibson and Sam Neill.

He also directed a 1986 film version of the D H Lawrence novel Kangaroo staring Colin Friels and Judy Davis.

In a statement released today, Tom Burstall, who is married to Australian actress Sigrid Thornton, said his father was a major figure in the revitalization of the Australian film industry.