James (2008 film)


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

James is a withdrawn and secretive teenager, coming from a family with long-buried secrets.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, he faces an inner battle as he comes to terms with his sexuality. His literature teacher, Mr. Sutherland, 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 that he meets in the public toilets.

Reception

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.

Awards