James Sweeney (filmmaker)
James Sweeney | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Sweeney at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival | |
| Born | 1990 (age 34–35)[1] |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2019–present |
James Sweeney (born 1990) is an American filmmaker and actor. He has written, produced, directed and starred in the comedy-dramas Straight Up (2019) and Twinless (2025).
Life and career
[edit]Sweeney grew up in Alaska.[2] He is gay.[3][4]
In 2019, Sweeney directed, wrote, and starred in Straight Up which had its world premiere at Outfest.[5] The film was released in February 2020, by Strand Releasing.[6][7] Prior to, Sweeney made a Proof of concept short film based upon the script, Normal Doors for 20th Digital Studio.[8] Sweeney earned a nomination for Independent Spirit Award for Best Screenplay.[9][10]
Sweeney's next film Twinless, which he directed and wrote, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.[11][12] He also starred in it opposite Dylan O'Brien. Reviewing the film for Variety, Peter Debruge wrote, "On just his second film, the gifted young helmer [Sweeney] demonstrates a sophisticated sense of framing, pace and exquisitely uncomfortable dramatic tension".[13] The film won the Audience Award Dramatic at Sundance.[14]
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Straight Up | Todd | Also director, writer, and producer |
| 2025 | Twinless | Dennis | Also director, writer, and producer |
References
[edit]- ^ "James Sweeney". Issue Magazine. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ Ragga, Pippa (June 25, 2020). "'Straight Up' Is James Sweeney's Powerful Feature Film Debut". Distractify. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ Macaulay, Scott (February 28, 2020). ""The Concept Stemmed from Loneliness…": Writer, Director and Star James Sweeney on his Romantic Comedy, Straight Up". Filmmaker. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ Reynolds, Daniel (March 1, 2020). "The Gay Introvert Takes Center Stage in James Sweeney's Straight Up". The Advocate. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ "Straight Up". Outfest. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ Day-Ramos, Dino (August 6, 2019). "Strand Releasing Acquires James Sweeney Comedy 'Straight Up'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ "Straight Up". Strand Releasing. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ Small, Courtney (August 7, 2015). "Shorts Spotlight: Normal Doors". Cinema Axis. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ Moser, Joey (March 29, 2021). "Indie Spirit Nominee James Sweeney On Creating a Unique Romantic Comedy with 'Straight Up'". Awards Daily. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ "2021 Film Independent Spirit Award Nominations Announced!". Film Independent. January 26, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (February 15, 2024). "Dylan O'Brien Sets 'Twinless' With James Sweeney Directing & Starring; Republic Pictures Takes Global On Three Point Capital & David Permut Production". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony; Patten, Dominic (December 11, 2024). "Sundance 2025: JLo, Sly Stone, Putin, Ayo Edebiri, André Holland, & Ex-NZ PM Jacinda Ardern Films Among Park City Festival Offerings". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 18, 2024.
- ^ Debruge, Peter (January 24, 2025). "'Twinless' Review: Two Guys Mourning the Loss of a Twin Connect in an Ingeniously Squirmy and Borderline Inappropriate 'Bromance'". Variety. Retrieved February 4, 2025.
- ^ D'Alessandro, Anthony (January 31, 2025). "'Atropia' Takes U.S. Grand Jury Prize Dramatic At Sundance Film Festival: Full Winners List". Deadline. Retrieved February 2, 2025.
