Biography
Mark Penney is an experimental filmmaker, bestselling author, actor, playwright, entrepreneur, businessman, writer, musician, composer, and artist whose innovative storytelling encompasses experimental cinema, literature, documentary, animation, and VR. Born in Toronto and raised in the diverse, working-class community of Brampton, Ontario, he began his career at 16 in Christian television, directing short films and programs before moving into camera work on commercials and major Hollywood productions. A graduate of Seneca College and York University, Penney made his directorial debut with the feature The Right Way (2004), which premiered at the 61st Venice Film Festival and had limited theatrical and VOD releases in the U.S.
His varied filmography includes the abstract experimental Life (2007); the romantic drama The Beautiful Risk (2013), a festival favorite and VOD success; the introspective experimental drama Calla Lily (2015), which led digital sales charts in Germany and Eastern Europe; the 360-degree VR feature Job (2017); the futuristic experiments Decline and Death (2019); the satirical animated comedy Fred Rooster (2023); and thought-provoking documentaries such as Dark Winter (2021) and Doctor Faustus (2022). Recently, he released the novellas Plymouth and Deirdre, adapted from earlier screenplays. Penney’s work delves into themes of faith, identity, and human resilience, marked by bold visuals and emotional honesty.
Based in Canada, he leads his production company, Mor Film, combining traditional narratives with emerging technologies while also engaging in acting, composing original rock music and film scores, and managing business enterprises.
