Sydney Freeland

USA Ford Fellow (Los Angeles, CA)

Media

Sydney Freeland is a Native American and Transgender filmmaker. Her debut feature film, Drunktown’s Finest, explored the Navajo reservation where she grew up and the impact of gender, race, and culture within the community. The film premiered at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and went on to win both the Grand Jury Prize and HBO Outstanding First Feature awards at LA Outfest 2014. Freeland was also a participant in the Sundance Screenwriter’s and Director’s Labs, and is the recipient of a Fulbright Scholarship.

Magdalena Begay as Max Maryboy in Drunktown’s Finest

Photo courtesy of Peter Holland

Carmen Moore as Felixia John in Drunktown’s Finest

Photo courtesy of Peter Holland