Syd Whalen is a Capilano University Documentary Certificate graduate, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Motion Picture Arts, specializing in directing, screenwriting and picture editing. With over five years of experience directing, writing, editing, and composing music for short films and music videos, Syd has gained significant recognition for her talent. Her short documentary, “The Reflection” (2024), earned Best Female Director (Short Film) at the Cannes World Film Festival. She has also received nominations for 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 from the Blanche Macdonald Centre. She boasts over seven years of experience in fashion-forward and nature photography, including features in Vogue Italia.

Passionate about dark fantasy, thriller, and horror genres, Syd draws inspiration from visionary filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro, Tim Burton, and Robert Eggers. She aspires to follow in their footsteps by crafting emotionally resonant, haunting, and twisted stories with captivating and immersive visuals. While her long-term goal is to write and direct genre films, she remains committed to refining her editing skills and making meaningful contributions to post-production teams.