We are really excited to have it play at the film festival in Liverpool – it’s a huge honour

We are really excited to have it play at the film festival in Liverpool – it’s a huge honour

28 August 2024

A SAINTFIELD man is having his latest film premiered at the Liverpool Horizon Film Festival this Saturday.

Actor and filmmaker Michael James (21) will debut his short film ‘Roundabout’ at the festival.

The film is a critique of dating and modern romance in the 21st century. The story follows the characters of David, Stella, Marnie and Michael who are all in their 20s.

David and Stella spend an evening together, but little do they know that there is about to be more overlap in their lives.

David’s best friend is Michael, who he confides in about his night with Stella. Michael, an aspiring actor, gets cast in a film directed by Marnie, who is best friends with Stella, which is based on the evening David and Stella spent together.

Filmmaker Michael, who plays the character with the same name, described  the film as a “commentary on the culture we surround ourselves in regarding our personal lives consisting of temporary romantic potential, the nightlife we partake in, relatability and self-reflection”.

“It’s my third film that I’ve made with the director Patrick Sheard,” Michael said.

“We are really excited to have it play at the film festival in Liverpool. It’s a huge honour and amazing accomplishment for us because 350 films were submitted to the festival but they only selected ten and one of them is ours.”

Michael comes from an athletic background, having played rugby for Ballynahinch and Instonians.

However, it was Michael’s love of media studies at school that encouraged him to change his career trajectory.

A graduate from Liverpool John Moores University Screen School, he says he fell in love with making films.

“As soon as I knew it was what I wanted to do, I very quickly began to retire the sports career,” he said

“There are a lot of similar characteristics between rugby and making a movie for both to be a success, there has to be teamwork, communication and the responsibility to perform on the day and give your all.

“It’s one of the most satisfying things seeing a film come together, how the work of everyone delivers such a brilliant final product.”

As well as showing their work at the Liverpool Horizon Film Festival, Michael and the crew will also have the film shown to three international film festivals.

“It’s such an exciting time for us,” he continued. “There are so many opportunities in Ireland for filmmaking. My focus is to expand my portfolio, 

update my showreel and make more movies with Patrick, which will be a long partnership because we work very well together.

“I’m so proud with what we have created and hope it resonates with audiences.” 

The trailer for ‘Roundabout’ can be viewed on YouTube at https://youtu.be/TyvvUEsDweY?si=VewURAoNBkFVT6ev.