Zoey Sidwell: Filmmaker
- Jan 1, 2025
- 2 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
As a filmmaker, Zoey is drawn to the unexpected—in human behavior, in circumstance, and in tone. She delights in life's surprises and the myriad ways people respond to them. That sensibility shows up in everything she makes.
Writer
Zoey started writing as a way to create work for herself—but quickly realized she liked writing, period. She's been at it ever since.
Her first feature, Life or Seth, placed in well-known competitions, including PAGE, Script Pipeline, and Austin, and was selected for Stowe Story Lab. Her second feature, Tessa, Grande, is currently in rewrites.
Her first short, ...Now You Don't, co-written with Krista Amigone, was a Semifinalist in the Stowe $50,000 Short Film Production Grant, placing in the top 50 out of nearly 2,000 projects. It's currently a Semifinalist in Shore Scripts' Script to Screen program.
Director
For her directorial debut, Travel Plans, Zoey picked a project that suited her sensibilities. (That's a fancy way of saying it comes with a twist.) Despite shooting in the middle of a heat wave, it was a blast.
The film is still on the festival circuit, but has already been accepted to twenty—including the Academy Award- and BAFTA-qualifying LA Shorts. It received six nominations at the Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema (Best Director, Best Short, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, and Best Writer) and took home an Indie Spirit Award.
She's currently in preproduction on her second project. Details coming soon.
“With this first directorial outing, Zoey Sidwell has established herself as a voice to watch. And if her next project builds on the emotional precision and layered narrative of Travel Plans, we’re in for another ride.” — Hollywood Times
Producer
Zoey likes to say she's a Placeholder Producer. As an indie filmmaker, it comes with the territory. Her "Project Manager" Personality makes her well-suited to the role, but she's always on the lookout for a creative partner to collaborate with. It's a bit like searching for a unicorn.
She's a believer, though. Wanna talk? Reach out below...