James Sweeney | |
|---|---|
 Sweeney at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival | |
| Born | 1990 (age 34–35) [1] |
| Education | Chapman University |
| 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).
Sweeney grew up in Alaska. [2] He is gay [3] [4] and Asian American. [5]
In 2019, Sweeney directed, wrote, and starred in Straight Up which had its world premiere at Outfest. [6] The film was released in February 2020, by Strand Releasing. [7] [8] Prior to, Sweeney made a Proof of concept short film based upon the script, Normal Doors for 20th Digital Studio. [9] Sweeney earned a nomination for Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay. [10] [11]
Sweeney's next film Twinless , which he directed and wrote, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. [12] [13] 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". [14] The film won the Audience Award Dramatic at Sundance. [15]
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Straight Up | Todd | Also director, writer, and producer |
| 2025 | Twinless | Dennis | Also director, writer, and producer |
