We are devastated to hear of the passing of James Flynn, film producer and co-founder of Metropolitan Films. His contributions to the Irish film industry for over 30 years leave a legacy far-reaching beyond the island of Ireland.
James’ career began in the Irish film industry with John Boorman’s Merlin Films as Head of Development. As Business Manager and subsequently Deputy CEO of the then newly established Irish Film Board, now Screen Ireland, from 1993 to 1997, he was involved with the development of the indigenous Irish film production sector.
In 1997 James, along with Juanita Wilson, established Metropolitan Films and has since been involved with over 80 feature film and television drama productions. Through Metropolitan Film Productions Ltd, James and the Metropolitan team have developed and produced many of its own in-house projects over many years.
The Dublin International Film Festival has been honoured to premiere a number of films where James was attached as Producer including Cartoon Saloon’s The Secret of Kells (Closing Night 2009), Juanita Wilson’s The Door ( 2007), As If I’m Not There (2010) and Tomato Red (2017), John Michael McDonagh’s Calvary (Opening Night Gala 2014) and Neil Jordan’s Greta (2018). This year, we are privileged to be screening Full Moon, produced by James and directed by his son Alexander.
He will be missed by the many filmmakers whose careers he nurtured and encouraged, his colleagues and friends within the industry, and the many audiences who benefited from the passion and drive he brought to his films.
