Syd is a Capilano University’s Documentary Certificate program graduate, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Motion Picture Arts and specializing in picture editing and screenwriting. With over five years of experience in storytelling, music composition, and editing short films and music videos, Syd has gained significant recognition for her talent. Her short documentary, The Reflection (2024), earned her the Best Female Director (Short Film) award at the Cannes World Film Festival. Additionally, she has received nominations for awards such as Best Student Film at the Toronto International Women’s Film Festival, Best First-Time Director and Best Short Film at the RED Movie Awards, and Best Woman Empowerment Short at the 4theatre Selection.

Beyond filmmaking, Syd is a versatile creative who studied opera and music composition at the Royal Conservatory of Music for eight years. Performing under the alias Syd Carter West, she has over a decade of experience as a singer-songwriter, crafting original music, directing music videos, and performing at live events and festivals. Additionally, she is a certified makeup artist, earning her diploma in Freelance Makeup from the Blanche Macdonald Centre, and boasts more than seven years of experience in fashion-forward and nature photography. Passionate about dark fantasy and the thriller/horror genres, Syd draws inspiration from Guillermo del Toro and Robert Eggers, aspiring to follow in their footsteps as a visionary filmmaker.