Sirens

The story of Sirens follows Whitney, an insecure teenager struggling with their identity. Haunted by a mysterious sound and visions of an ornery siren, the teen finds themselves trapped in an alternate world where, in order to escape, they must find the courage to be themselves.

  • Thomas Sawyer
    Director
  • Thomas Sawyer
    Writer
  • Lauren Leslie Sakon
    Producer
  • Joyce Ku
    Key Cast
    "Whitney"
  • Bella Torres
    Key Cast
    "Lie"
  • Carmen Campbell-Villalobos
    Key Cast
    "Made"
  • Nicholas Weiss
    Director of Photography
  • Thomas Sawyer
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    7 minutes 22 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 3, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    25,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Thomas Sawyer

Thomas Sawyer is an American writer, director, and editor highlighting stories of humanity. Most recently, Sawyer won the Dolby Institute x Ghetto Film School “Finish the Script” challenge. They were given the opportunity to write and direct their narrative short film, SIRENS, under the mentorship of Kennedy Davey (Maximum Effort), Academy Award-nominated director, Carlos López Estrada (Raya and the Last Dragon), and Glenn Kiser (Founder of The Dolby Institute).

Previously, Sawyer directed two documentaries: UM YES, HELLO, which follows an artist who uses found objects they collect from each of the five Great Lakes to create educational art on how we can protect America’s largest natural resource, and EVERY FIBER, which features a sustainable fashion designer creating a couture runway collection inspired by the events of 2020’s global pandemic and increased awareness of racial injustices. Both films individually tell the stories of women using their art to raise awareness on global issues and to help make change. The films have shown at the Montana International Film Festival, Santa Fe Film Festival, Frozen River Film Festival, & Chain NYC Film Festival.

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Director Statement

My hope is that people watch the film and feel inspired to be more self-accepting. The film touches on how difficult it can be when you’re afraid to truly be yourself around the people you love most. There is a real power that comes with opening up to those around you and communicating your feelings. I hope that those who see Sirens get put on the path much sooner than I did, and find the courage to live their life proudly.