James
Directed byConnor Clements
Written byConnor Clements
Produced byConnor Clements
StarringNiall Wright
Matt Jennings
Margaret Goodman
Gerry Doherty
Louis Rolston
CinematographyDeclan Keeney
Edited byKevin McDonald
Music byKasia Middleton
Release date
  • 1 April 2008 (2008-04-01) (Belfast Film Festival)
Running time
17 minutes
CountryNorthern Ireland
LanguageEnglish

James is a 2008 Northern Irish coming-of-age short film. The film stars Niall Wright as James, a teenage boy attempting to come to terms with his burgeoning homosexuality.

Plot summary

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James (Niall Wright) is a withdrawn and secretive teenager, coming from a family with long-buried secrets. With no friends and a refusal to confide with his parents (Margaret Goodman and Gerry Doherty), he faces an inner battle as he comes to terms with his sexuality. His literature teacher, Mr. Sutherland (Matt Jennings), is his sole beacon of hope, believing that he may understand the trouble he faces. However, in his moment of need, Sutherland, concerned by the risks involved, fails to provide James with the support he needs. Devoid of hope, he makes an audacious decision to turn to seemingly the last person who can help, an old man (Louis Rolston) that he meets in the public toilets.[1][2]

Reception

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The film won Best Northern Irish Short at the Belfast Film Festival, the Iris Prize for Best UK Short, and Best International Short at the St. Louis International Film Festival in 2008. In January, it beat 6,000 other entries to be one of 22 short films that was selected for the International Dramatic Competition at Sundance Film Festival. It was also part of the Sundance iTunes 10/10.[3]

Awards

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References

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