Events

Michael Dwyer Tribute

A Dedication

A Tribute to Michael Dwyer

Following meeting Michael for the first time in 1985, I witnessed his best of many qualities: his strong inherent sense of generosity. For him, the joy of sharing the cinematic treats he had savoured was as important as the joy of discovering such gems in the first place. Thus his co-founding of the Dublin Film Festival in 1985 was very much in that spirit of generously, sharing with others the world of cinema that Michael so much enjoyed. I fondly remember Michael being welcomed as a hero by the spirited band of previously quality-film-starved film festivalgoers as he entered the Regal Inn opposite the Screen Cinema, where cinema devotees from art house virgins to serial French new-wave addicts would swap opinions on Michael’s latest cinematic fare.

Following the demise of the Dublin Film Festival, Michael was determined to ensure film fans could once again share in his love of the genre, and 17 years on he repeated history and co-founded his second film festival in Dublin. He managed to programme the inaugural JDIFF in just two months, thanks to his industriousness and sheer determination, but also thanks to his vast array of contacts, built up over so many years, to whom he had constantly displayed enthusiasm, courtesy and generosity.

Michael programmed the first five JDIFFs, which culminated in me having the honour of presenting my good friend and co-founder with a Volta Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2007, on behalf of the thousands of film-goers who had their eyes opened and senses sharpened by Michael to the world of cinema, both in print and on screen. When Michael became aware of his illness last year he selflessly stepped aside as Chairman, but thankfully remained as a Festival Director, still generously allowing all on the team to tap into his encyclopaedic cinematic knowledge when required. I last met Michael in early December, when we chatted for over two hours. His indomitable spirit was so explicitly to the fore, his courage and determination to beat his illness matched by his humility despite his tribulations. His rapscallion wit and love for life had if anything been heightened, displaying that, although physically weakened, his spirit was as strong as ever.

It was with a heavy heart I received the call on New Year’s Day of Michael’s passing. I will so miss my good friend, my hardworking colleague, and my inspirational mentor. Yet his legacy is great, with so many so grateful to him for sharing his enjoyment, his knowledge and his love of cinema with them over so many years. This year’s JDIFF is dedicated to our co-founder, former Director, former Chairman and eternal friend.

David McLoughlin, Co-Founder, Director and Former Chairman, Jameson Dublin International Film Festival

Michael Dwyer Tribute