Tributes have been paid to the acclaimed Irish film and television producer James Flynn, a co-producer on the Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin, following his death at the age of 57.
In a statement, President Michael D Higgins said: "The death of James Flynn represents the loss of one of the key figures in modern Irish film-making.
"Over the course of his career, James Flynn made a remarkable contribution to the Irish film industry, both in terms of fostering the development of films by the Irish film community itself, and in bringing so many international projects to this island."
"James' loss at such a young age is a huge loss to the industry and to all of us who knew him," President Higgins continued.
"May I express my deepest condolences to his wife Juanita, to his children Alex and Anna, and to his wide circle of family, friends and colleagues."
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin, said James Flynn had been "at the very forefront of Irish cinema & TV drama production".
I am greatly saddened by the news of the passing of James Flynn.His most recent success with @Banshees_Movie was the culmination of a career at the very forefront of Irish cinema & TV drama production. My deepest sympathies to Juanita and his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. https://t.co/dUWeDJfBv1
— Catherine Martin TD (@cathmartingreen) February 12, 2023
Among his many credits were the series KIN, Vikings: Valhalla, Harry Wild, Vikings, Penny Dreadful, The Tudors and Love/Hate.
His film credits also included Disenchanted, The Last Duel, The Secret of Kells, Ondine, P.S. I Love You, Veronica Guerin, Angela's Ashes and The General.
A former deputy chief executive of the Irish Film Board - now Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland - James Flynn established his own production company, Metropolitan Films, with his wife, the filmmaker Juanita Wilson, in 1997.
The couple's short film The Door was nominated for an Oscar in 2010, and Metropolitan Films has played a key role in over 80 film and television productions.
In a statement, Metropolitan Films said: "All of us in Metropolitan Films are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed founder, colleague and great friend James Flynn, who departed peacefully on Saturday morning with Juanita and children Alex and Anna by his side.
"No words can adequately describe the immense contribution James has made to the Irish film and television industry over three decades on both a national and international level. He willingly and generously gave his advice and guidance to all who sought his counsel, from young emerging filmmakers to established Irish and international industry practitioners.
"James fought his recent illness with courage, dignity, and positivity to the very end.
"For that reason, we are acutely aware that the news of his passing has been an unexpected shock for all of us."
Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland described James Flynn as "a producer who made great contributions to the Irish screen industry and was key to the early development of the agency".
We are saddened to hear of the passing of James Flynn, a producer who made great contributions to the Irish screen industry and was key to the early development of the agency.
— Screen Ireland (@ScreenIreland) February 13, 2023
Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time 💚https://t.co/nze4PbGcy7
