NI student's film to be screened at Cannes

A short film written and directed by a student as part of his master’s degree course is being shown at the Cannes Film Festival this week.

Connor Clements, from Scarva, Co Armagh is celebrating after his film 'James' was selected for the Short Film Corner at the famous event.

Written and directed by Mr Clements, who graduated from Queen’s University Belfast last December with an MA in film and visual studies, 'James' follows a teenage boy as he struggles to come to terms with his sexuality.

The teenager is played by Niall Wright who had a leading role in 'Mickybo And Me' in 2005. 'James' is the only film from the North to he chosen for the Short Film Corner.

Mr Clements said: “Cannes is one of the world’s oldest, most influential and prestigious film festivals and I am delighted that my film has been chosen to be shown.

“It is a real honour for any aspiring film-maker to be part of this high-profile event – and I hope it won’t be the last time one of my films is shown on such a prestigious stage.”

The film will be seen by directors, producers, buyers and festival programmers from around the world- exposure which is invaluable to any up-and-coming movie maker.

'James' won the Skillset Award for the Best Northern Ireland Film at the Belfast Film Festival last month and has been nominated for the Mini Movie International Channel Award.

Professor David Johnston, head of the School of Languages, Literature and Performing Arts at Queen’s, said: “We are all very proud of Connor’s achievements and congratulate him on his Cannes debut.

“His success is a tribute to the quality of the work produced by film studies at Queen’s.”