Sarah Friedland's documentary films and installations delve into intimate stories that uncover the complexities of place and society, revealing larger histories. Her collaborative works with Esy Casey have garnered widespread recognition in the US and abroad, with support from prestigious grants such as the Jerome Foundation, the Paul Newman Foundation, The Princess Grace Foundation, the Ford Foundation Just Films, and the Center for Asian American Media.
In 2009, Friedland's feature documentary Thing With No Name premiered, earning her a spot on the Independent Magazine's "Top 10 Independent Filmmakers to Watch" list. The Paul Robeson award from the Newark Museum was bestowed upon her in 2014 for her feature documentary The Rink, which aired on PBS (WNET/NJTV) in 2017.
Her recent documentary, Jeepney (directed by Esy Casey and produced by Esy Casey and Sarah Friedland),was broadcast on PBS (World Channel) in 2015. Friedland has received esteemed residencies and fellowships from the Center of Contemporary Art in Pont- Aven, the LABA House of Study, the MacDowell Colony, The Palestinian American Research Center, and Meerkat Media.
As the Director of the MDOCS Documentary Storyteller's Institute at Skidmore College, Friedland continues to shape the next generation of documentary filmmakers.
