← Selected work

Narrative · 2022-2025

Three Hearts

Director · Producer · Cinematographer · Editor

1960s Connie comforts young Dave in the yard in a finished frame from Three Hearts.

The film

A quiet memory-drama where childhood, marriage and grief fold around a red heart that keeps changing shape.

The approach

James's work covered the short from production through post: directing, producing, cinematography, editing, colour, ADR recording and finishing support.

Finished short selected for the 2025 Okanagan Screen Awards.

Project details

Release
2022-2025
Category
Narrative
Tags
NarrativeShort filmJAF archiveOkanagan Screen Awards

Story / motif

A memory piece built around period detail and a red-heart motif.

The 1960s garden sequence carries the film's period world: props, wardrobe, hair, makeup and a sunlit yard built around young Dave, young Connie and the red heart that follows them through the story.

The credit record reflects James's role across production and post, including directing, cinematography, editing, colour, ADR recording and finishing support.

Recognition

  • Official Selection - Okanagan Screen Awards, 2025
  • Official Selection — Okanagan Screen Awards, 2025

Additional credits

Writer / Executive Producer
Dave Kenneth MacKinnon
Director / Producer / Cinematographer / Editor
James Alton
Himself
Dave MacKinnon
Herself
Connie MacKinnon
1960s Dave
Beau Walsh
1960s Connie
Angela Walsh
Pet dog
Zoe
2nd Camera / Grip
Ethann Hartwell
Location Sound
Michael Fullerton
Makeup
Lindsay Kusy
Hair
Devan Adams
Dog Wrangler
Charlotte Wilson
Props & Crafty
Loree MacKinnon
Transportation
Gale MacKinnon
Locations
Brian & Deborah McGovern
Locations
Kelowna Film Studios
Public credit source
IMDb full credits
Festival source
Okanagan Screen Awards