Flynn von Kleist

Although Flynn was born in the Amsterdam, he grew up in a small town on the South-West coast of Ireland. At seventeen he started his studies at the National Film School in Dublin followed by the Dutch Film Academy, he graduated both schools as a filmmaker. Since, Flynn has directed both fiction and documentary projects. His debut feature I don’t wanna dance premiered in June 2021 and received critical acclaim in the Dutch press. The film was nominated for two Dutch Academy Awards, won the Gryphon Award for Best Film at the Giffoni Film Festival and is being screened at many international film festivals. Currently he's working on a true crime documentary series for streamers Videoland and Streamz, alongside a six-part documentary series called The Psychology of Con Artists for CuriosityStream. This year, he will be co-directing a six-part fiction series based on the true story of Laura H. In development are two features: fantasy Wood and crime drama Limerick.

ARTIST STATEMENT My work usually has strong roots in true stories and the truthful depiction of real communities. I love stories that are set in places that are relatively unexplored but visually striking and that help me to push the characters to their limits. My debut feature I don’t wanna dance, is based on a true story, played by and developed in close collaboration with the boy who lived it. I met the main actor Yfendo van Praag when I shot a documentary about him. His dramatic life story, combined with Yfendo’s resilience and talent, convinced me to dig even deeper. The final film is the result of years of research and the strong bond that formed between me, Yfendo and his family. My documentary work allows me to explore the fascinating psychology of my real-life protagonists, which is relevant to me even if their actions are bordering the unthinkable. Aiming for truth and meaning, I challenge myself to stare into the abyss.