In 2011, Duncan's creative journey took another exciting turn when he ventured into filmmaking. Mentored by acclaimed British director Chester Dent, Duncan applied his creative energy to the world of cinema, bringing his intuitive approach to storytelling and artistic expression to film. Drawing on his extensive background in visual art, Duncan’s films possess the same texture, depth, and attention to detail that define his paintings.

In 2024, a decade after making many short films, ranging from the weird to the wonderful, Duncan produced and directed his first feature-length film, Misgivings. Duncan explains, "It was an obvious step in the right direction for me, both artistically and on a personal level. I have a brain that never stops! I daydream constantly about creating new, interesting stories, those that are a little different, a little quirky, and sometimes a little challenging. Whether through the lens of the camera or with the paintbrush, I hope to create beautiful, timeless stories, ones that will resonate with some people and maybe stir the mud with others!”

From a very young age, artist Duncan James has been captivated by art, colour, and creative expression. His journey began with inspiration drawn from the vast, earthy landscapes of Western Australia, gradually evolving into a more abstract and deeply personal style. Known for his self-exploratory approach and highly original works, Duncan's art has featured in numerous exhibitions, art shows, and Archibald Prize entries. Portraits of notable figures such as Julia Gillard and inventor Ric Richardson brought him into the national spotlight, while his striking collection of portraits of his beloved turkeys—exhibited in New York—left a memorable and unexpected impression on international audiences.

At 34, he made the life-changing decision to move to Byron Bay, a creative hub known for its artistic energy, where he could fully immerse himself in his art. It was in this serene, rural environment that Duncan built a rustic stone and timber studio, where his creative output grew alongside a menagerie of animals—each providing endless inspiration for his work.

Among Duncan’s beloved animals, his turkeys became a focal point, leading to his work being exhibited overseas in New York.