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Meet Filmmaker Sydney Joanna Sheng
April 4, 2025
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GIFFSD is asking a select few of our 2025 filmmakers a series of questions designed to shed light into their film, their directorial vision and passion for cinema and veteran stories. This first edition of our “Meet the Filmmaker,” we hear from Sydney Sheng, director of “THE END OF THE LONGEST WAR.”
Q. How did you get involved with filmmaking?
A. I’ve been drawn to filmmaking for as long as I can remember. Even as a kid, I always had a video camera in my hand, filming anything and everything just because I loved the process of capturing moments and telling stories. In high school, my videography teacher, Richard Mendoza, helped me see that filmmaking wasn’t just a hobby, it was something I could turn into a career. That led me to attend the Academy of Art University, where I earned a BFA in motion pictures and television with an emphasis in directing.
For me, filmmaking has always been about storytelling. It’s how I make sense of the world, how I connect with people, and how I give a voice to the stories that matter. Whether it’s the stories of those I love or those that deserve to be heard on a larger scale, filmmaking has always been my way of bringing them to life.
Q. What do you want audiences to know about your film?
A. I want audiences to know that this film is about healing, but it’s also an unfiltered look at the devastating impact of the evacuation on everyone involved—service members, Afghan civilians, and the families left behind. Through Marine Cpl. Trevor Sheng’s firsthand account, we don’t just show the chaos and heartbreak of those final days; we explore what it meant for the people on the ground, the weight they still carry, and the human cost of war beyond the headlines.
This film isn’t about politics, it’s about the people who lived through one of the most intense and emotional moments in modern history. It’s about the impossible choices, the bravery, the grief, and the search for meaning after everything fell apart. Ultimately, it’s a story of resilience and the long road to healing, for both those who made it out and those who are still trying to make sense of it all.
Q. What is your connection to service?
A. Service has always been a part of my life. My grandfather, my brother, and several close family friends have all served in the military, so I’ve grown up with a deep respect for the sacrifices that come with it. Seeing their dedication and the impact of their service has given me a personal understanding of what it means to commit yourself to something bigger than yourself.
While I haven’t served personally, I’ve always felt connected to the stories of those who have. That’s part of why I’m so passionate about telling these kinds of stories, honoring their experiences, their sacrifices, and the realities of service that often go unseen.
Q. Why do you think films are important?
A. I think films are important because they have the power to reach people in ways nothing else can. They allow us to step into someone else’s world, feel their emotions, and connect with stories that we might not have experienced ourselves. Filmmaking isn’t just about storytelling, it’s about making people feel seen, understood, and less alone.
What I love most about film is its ability to bring people together. It can spark conversations, change perspectives, and create a sense of shared experience. That’s why I believe filmmaking matters, because at its core, it’s about connection, and that’s something we all need.
Q. Where do you find community?
A. Community is essential to me, it’s found in the people I work with, the friends and family who support me, and the relationships that shape me. For me, community isn’t just about a place or a specific group, but about shared experiences and the moments where people come together. My faith as a Christian has also shaped my understanding of community. It reminds me that we’re called to love and serve one another, to support and uplift those around us, and to find strength in connection. Whether through meaningful conversations or simply showing up for others, I’ve learned that community is everywhere if you’re open to it.
About ‘THE END OF THE LONGEST WAR,’ directed by Sydney Joanna Sheng
In August 2021, the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan and Kabul’s airport became the center of a frantic evacuation. The military airlifted 124,000 people under growing threats. Amid the chaos, a devastating suicide bombing claimed the lives of 13 U.S. service members and over 200 Afghans. Marine Cpl. Trevor Sheng witnessed the evacuation firsthand. Through his account, this documentary offers an unfiltered look at America’s final days in Afghanistan during the 2021 Kabul airlift. Contains strong language, scenes of violence, footage of a bomb explosion and graphic imagery. Viewer discretion is advised.
World premiere as part of the documentary shorts block on Thursday, May 8 at 5 p.m.
