Mark Penney is an experimental filmmaker, bestselling author, actor, entrepreneur, businessman, writer, musician, composer, and artist whose innovative storytelling spans 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 age 16 in Christian television, directing short films and programs before transitioning to camera assistance 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 enjoyed limited theatrical and VOD releases in the United States.
His diverse filmography includes the abstract experimental Life (2007); the romantic drama The Beautiful Risk (2013), a festival favorite and VOD hit; the introspective experimental drama Calla Lily (2015), which topped 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 like Dark Winter (2021) and Doctor Faustus (2022). Infusing his work with personal depth, He recently released Novellas Plymouth and Deirdre based on previous screenplays. Penney explores themes of faith, identity, and human resilience through bold visuals and emotional authenticity.
Based in Canada, he heads his production company, Mor Film, blending traditional narrative with emerging technologies while also acting, composing original rock music, film scores and managing business ventures.
