Find local news in Kent

Home   Medway   News   Article

Life From a Different Angle: When I Met James Dunn directed by Tommy Reynolds being screened at Odeon Cinema in Chatham

09:07, 14 May 2018

updated: 12:18, 14 May 2018

Just weeks after the death of the man who played a starring role in his documentary, a photographer will show his ‘epic’ film at a Kent cinema.

Tommy Reynolds saw James Dunn on BBC documentary The Big Life Fix where inventors create solutions for people who struggle with everyday tasks.

The 24-year-old had epidermolyss bullosa, a rare condition that makes skin fragile and prone to blistering and scarring.

James Dunn
James Dunn

The illness caused his fingers to fuse together and left him in constant pain.

In the programme, inventor Jude Pullen created a camera for James that could be controlled by his computer and allowed him to continue his passion of taking photographs.

Medway-born photographer and documentary maker, Tommy Reynolds, was so inspired by the programme he offered his expertise.

The 28-year-old, from Lordswood, said: “I saw the documentary and had an urge to message him and offered help if he needed it, it was kind of a throw away comment but he came back to me and said yes, that’d be great.

Tommy Reynolds showing James Dunn how to use his camera
Tommy Reynolds showing James Dunn how to use his camera

“I went to see him for a weekend in Liverpool last June and it was just a joy, such an amazing weekend.

“We knew we had filmed something really amazing.“

Tommy and his friend and filmmaker Michael Mowbray wanted to show the film at the end of last year and has finally managed to confirm a date.

He said: “We were trying to nail a new date with Odeon, the charity and James and his family.

“James sadly died a couple of weeks ago due to cancer. Luckily, he saw a rough draft of the documentary before and he said it looks ‘epic.’

Tommy Reynolds showing James Dunn how to use his camera
Tommy Reynolds showing James Dunn how to use his camera

“I wanted to start up the fight again to get a date in the diary as a legacy to James and I’m pleased we are finally able to do it.

“It’s become so much more than a personal project for me and because of what’s happened I really wanted to give something back and get the charity involved.”

“I’ve never been more proud of a film and I really hope people will enjoy it.”

Tommy Reynolds showing James Dunn how to use his camera
Tommy Reynolds showing James Dunn how to use his camera

Representatives from DEBRA, the charity for people with epidermolysis bullosa, will also attend the screening and collect donations on the night.

The half an hour documentary called Life From a Different Angle: When I Met James Dunn, will be screened today at 7pm and you can register for free tickets on https://whenimetjamesdunn.eventbrite.co.uk

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More