Sydney Wider ‘27
Student, 2021-present
My Centennial Moment
For Sydney Wider, filmmaking is both an artistic practice and a way of paying closer attention to the world around her. Recently named a YoungArts film winner, Sydney’s work reflects a thoughtful blend of creative risk, technical skill, and a deep curiosity about human connection and perspective.
Much of her growth as a filmmaker began with learning how to step outside her comfort zone. Through theatre at Gulliver, Sydney became comfortable performing in front of others, even when it felt intimidating. “Performing can be extremely nerve wracking and scary,” she shared, “but whenever a performance is done, I feel extremely proud of myself for doing it anyways.” That willingness to embrace discomfort became a defining mindset, shaping how she approaches creative challenges and leadership opportunities.
That same mindset followed her to the USC School of Cinematic Arts summer program, where she was selected to direct a film on the Warner Bros. backlot. “I had never led a team this big before, and having the pressure of doing it on a professional backlot was a lot,” she said. “I was nervous, but knew that if I accepted and took this risk, it would be so worth it.” The experience pushed her creatively and personally, teaching her how to collaborate, direct adult actors, and work alongside professionals in the industry.
At Gulliver, Sydney has also been shaped by an environment that encourages students to be present and intentional, especially in how they engage with technology. She points to the introduction of Yondr pouches as a moment that changed how students interact with one another. “At first, I was not super thrilled about the idea,” she admitted. “But I eventually saw a huge difference in the way that students interact with one another.”
Without phones as a constant distraction, Sydney noticed something increasingly rare. “No one looks up anymore. No one takes in what is going on around them,” she reflected. “And I do this too, but it is frustrating to know that this is the norm in society.” Putting phones away created space for students to be fully present, to observe one another, and to engage more meaningfully in the moment.
That awareness directly influenced her filmmaking. While spending time people watching on USC’s campus, Sydney became drawn to moments of genuine interaction. Those observations became the foundation for her film The Distance Between Us, which explores how modern relationships are strained by technology. “Because of this film, I learned that I really enjoy mirroring society in my films,” she said. “I find there to be a deeper meaning in the art that I make because of this.”
Sydney also credits the trust and resources available at Gulliver for allowing her to pursue independent creative work. Filming Drowning on campus gave her the opportunity to collaborate closely with peers from the theatre department, resulting in authentic, unscripted performances. “They were all having real conversations about their lives when I was filming them,” she explained, “and this made their performances so authentic.” Support from the broadcasting department, including access to professional equipment, helped bring her creative vision to life.
As Gulliver celebrates 100 years, Sydney sees her work in film as a way to help shape a more empathetic future. “By putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, you can understand how someone thinks that is unlike you,” she said. Through storytelling, she hopes to encourage audiences to slow down, reflect, and see the world from new perspectives.
Her advice to younger students is rooted in courage and possibility. “You should go for it because you’ve got nothing to lose,” Sydney shared. Exploring the arts, she believes, is one of the most meaningful ways to discover who you are and how you want to express yourself.
Sydney’s centennial moment reflects what becomes possible when students are given the space to be present, the trust to take creative risks, and the support to explore the world with intention. It is within that environment that her voice and vision continue to grow as Gulliver looks toward its next 100 years.
Explore Sydney’s award-winning films and creative work:
