Saintfield filmmaker Michael hoping for BAFTA nomination

Saintfield filmmaker Michael hoping for BAFTA nomination

18 June 2025

A SAINTFIELD filmmaker has achieved global success at the age of 21. 

Michael James’ film, Roundabout, which premiered at the Liverpool Horizon Film Festival last August, has now been screened in India, Peru and the United States.

It has won many awards including Best Short Film at the Paradise Film Festival in Germany and Best Independent Film at the Eutopia Arthouse Film Festival in Ireland.

The film has also been selected for several BAFTA Qualifying festivals such as the Belfast Film Festival 

and the Focus Wales Film Festival, meaning it is eligible to be nominated for a BAFTA award.

Roundabout is a story about dating and modern romance in the 21st century and follows the characters of Dvid, Stella, Marnie and Michael, who are all in their 20s.

Michael, who also stars in the film and plays the character of the same name, described it 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 the third film that I’ve made with the director Patrick Sheard,” Michael said.

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

However, it was his love of Media Studies at school that encouraged him to pursue a career in the film industry.

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.

Michael believes it’s an exciting time to be a filmmaker in Ireland. 

“There are so many opportunities,” he said. “My focus is to expand my portfolio, update my showreel and make more movies with Patrick – it will be a long partnership because we work really well together.

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

Roundabout is available for viewing on Amazon Prime and YouTube.