Biography

Samuel Mitchell is an interdisciplinary artist from Washington, D.C. currently pursuing a BFA in Film & Television at the New York University Tisch School of the Arts and a BA in English Literature. Mitchell is an honors graduate of Sidwell Friends School where he took full advantage of the arts program, serving in leadership positions in the Arts Guild, Chamber Choir, All-Male Acapella Group, Film & Photography Club, as well as the theater program. During high school, Mitchell also worked for the non-profit organization OnSide as its Creative Director. OnSide was recognized by the Prudential Spirit Community Awards in 2020. Mitchell received numerous accolades for his work in film during high school, most notably a nomination for the Maverick Award at the All American High School Film Festival for his short film “The Humanity Test.” 

After moving to New York for college, Mitchell has worked hard to elevate his craft — working as a freelancer for creative-centric organizations like National Geographic and 300 Entertainment. Mitchell has also had internships at the non-profit Patients for Affordable Drugs (P4AD) and gaming start-up Mountaintop Studios. 

“I have a particular interest in films and projects that leave an audience more informed, compassionate, and empathetic. Onside and P4AD both offered me opportunities to build empathy through storytelling while I improved my work,” Mitchell notes. “ I quickly learned that empathy must make its way into everything I create. When I tell stories, I now have one overarching goal in mind: to engender empathy. If a story can compel an audience to feel with its characters and narrative, then it can foster this empathy — which I hope can be my small contribution to leaving the world a better place than when I found it.”

A rising NYU junior, Mitchell’s films have been selected for upwards of 40 film festivals and have received awards at more than 10. He most recently received an award for Best Student-Produced Film from Broad Street Film Fest for a work  he produced with Lily Kaplan titled “Four Walls.” 

Apart from filmmaking, Mitchell explores poetry as well as music. He is currently producing a debut album with his two closest  friends Harald Lundberg and Matthew Johnson under the group name “Written at Midnight.” Additionally, Mitchell continues to develop his acting. He received an Outstanding Achievement Award in acting from Indie Short Fest for his performance in his short film “The Humanity Test.”

Mitchell is currently in  post-production for his two most recent films “Melodies for My Father” and “Prom 1982.” He will study in Prague at FAMU in the fall of 2022.