Sydney Sibilia

Sydney Sibilia was born on 19 November 1981 in Salerno, Campania, Italy, where his early fascination with cinema sparked a lifelong pursuit of storytelling. After moving to Rome in 2007, he cut his teeth directing commercials for major brands such as Wind and Fox Crime, while simultaneously developing his first feature concept. His debut short, Oggi gira così (2010), co‑written with Valerio Attanasio, won the SIAE award for Best Screenplay and announced him as a rising talent in the Italian independent scene. In February 2014, Sibilia released his breakthrough feature I Can Quit Whenever I Want, a witty caper that blended humor with social commentary, earning twelve David di Donatello nominations and winning a Nastro d'argento for Best Producer. The film’s unexpected box‑office success spawned two sequels—Masterclass and Ad Honorem (both 2017)—solidifying his reputation for clever, crowd‑pleasing narratives. Together with Matteo Rovere, he co‑founded the production company Groenlandia, which has become a hub for inventive Italian cinema. Sibilia’s 2020 Netflix original Rose Island explored the true story of a micronation, receiving the Globo d'oro for its inventive direction and reinforcing his penchant for rebellious protagonists. His most recent project, Mixed by Erry (2023), delves into the tumultuous world of 1990s music piracy, garnering nominations for both the David di Donatello and the Globo d'oro and adding another Nastro d'argento to his collection. In television, he directed the well‑received Sky series Hanno ucciso l'Uomo Ragno (2024), further demonstrating his versatility across media. On the personal front, Sibilia began a relationship with actress Greta Scarano in 2019, and the couple married in 2021, though they have chosen to keep their family life private. Throughout his career, Sibilia has been celebrated for his ability to weave comedy, social critique, and a distinct visual flair into stories that resonate with both critics and audiences worldwide.