John D. Lamond (born December 5, 1949) is an Australian filmmaker, producer, and director. He is best known for writing and directing the cult classic Australian films Felicity (1979) and Barbarosa (1982).
Lamond was born in Melbourne, Australia and grew up in the suburb of Heidelberg. He attended Monash University in the late 1960s and early 1970s, studying film. After graduating, he began making short films with his friend, producer/director David Stratton. In 1976, Lamond and Stratton formed the production company Filmhouse.
Lamond’s first feature-length film, Felicity (1979), was a huge success in Australia. The film was a coming of age story about a teenage girl discovering her sexuality. It was the first Australian film to be released theatrically in the United States, and it grossed over $4 million at the box office.
In 1982, Lamond wrote and directed the western film Barbarosa, starring Willie Nelson and Gary Busey. The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $8 million at the box office.
Lamond followed Barbarosa with Dead-End Drive In (1986), another cult classic. The film was a low-budget dystopian action movie set in a future Australia. It was the first Australian film to be released as a direct-to-video title in the United States.
Lamond has continued to write and direct feature films, documentaries, and television series. He is currently working on a new feature film, The Last Train, which is set during World War II.
Throughout his career, Lamond has been an outspoken advocate for the Australian film industry. He has also been a mentor to many aspiring filmmakers, including directors Robert Connolly, Alex Proyas, and Jocelyn Moorhouse.
John D. Lamond is a true pioneer of the Australian film industry. His films have been seen around the world, and he has helped pave the way for future generations of filmmakers.
