James Sweeney (filmmaker)

James Sweeney is an American filmmaker and actor. He has written, produced, directed and starred in the comedy-dramas Straight Up and Twinless.

Life and career

Sweeney grew up in Alaska. He is gay and Asian American.
In 2019, Sweeney directed, wrote, and starred in Straight Up, which had its world premiere at Outfest. The film was released in February 2020 by Strand Releasing. Prior to, Sweeney made a proof of concept short film based upon the script Normal Doors for 20th Digital Studio. Sweeney earned a nomination for Independent Spirit Award for Best First Screenplay.
Sweeney's film Twinless, which he directed and wrote, premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. He also starred in the film. Reviewing the film for Variety, Peter Debruge wrote, "On just his second film, the gifted young helmer demonstrates a sophisticated sense of framing, pace and exquisitely uncomfortable dramatic tension". The film won the Audience Award Dramatic at Sundance.