The Box
James Burns didn’t go to film school. He taught himself how to read and write in prison after being tried as an adult and convicted at 15 after taking the wrong path in his youth. Following his release James concentrated his efforts on documentary filmmaking to develop an award-winning career and a reputation for bold, cinematic storytelling. He is personally invested in creating character-driven films that take on complex and systemic issues, and is known for his ability to gain unique access to difficult spaces.
James is a Sundance Institute fellow of 2020, was selected for the Saatchi & Saatchi New Director Showcase at Cannes Lion in 2016, won the TriBeCa Film Festival Special Jury Mention Award in 2015, and was nominated for the D&AD Next Director Award in 2017. In 2017 James created the Solitary Confinement Project, a month-long 24 hour livestream in which James voluntarily entered into solitary confinement for 30 days and broadcast his time inside. The project was nominated for a Webby Award in 2018. His work has been presented on Netflix, SHOWTIME, Independent Lens, Vice on HBO, VICE.TV, Vice.com, Amazon Prime, Nowness, The Atlantic, and Vimeo Staff Picks. His most recent films have premiered at SXSW, TIFF, and Tribeca FF.
He is currently directing and developing projects for television and film.
In addition to his film work, James dedicates time to speak with and mentor incarcerated youth. He hopes to provide young people with a positive influence and tools to empower themselves.
