Father of Gabon's film industry, Philippe Mory, dies at 81

Philippe Mory who is considered as the father of Gabon's film industry, producer and one of the best Gabonese actors, died on Tuesday at the age of 81 years.

Well placed sources said he shot himself through the mouth at his home in the capital Libreville.

Prior to his death, Gabon's most celebrated and talented actor did not show any particular signs of distress.

According to a family member, he was expected to go to Bongolo hospital that is situated over 500 km from Libreville, for a cataract operation.

Mory began his film-making career in France and he was the first African to play a major role in a French film.

In 1962, he wrote a film titled "Le Cage," which was chosen for the 1963 edition of the Cannes festival.

Mory spent three years in prison over his involvement in the 1964 coup against Leon Mba, Gabon's father of independence.

In 1971, he directed his first film called "Les tam-tams se sont tus." Four years later, he constructed the national film center.

Mory produced about 20 films through out his career. Endit