Paul Cox, who is widely regarded as the father of Australian arthouse cinema, has reportedly died aged 76.

The Dutch-born director is known for his films Man of Flowers, A Woman's Tale and Innocence. The Australian Directors Guild announced his death on Twitter on Sunday.

Paul Cox (right), with actor David Wenham, outside his Albert Park office last year. Credit:Simon O'Dwyer

Cox, born April 16, 1940, rose to acclaim in the 1980s with films such as Lonely Hearts and My First Wife.

American film critic Roger Ebert described him as "one of the best directors of our time" and "one of the heroes of modern cinema".