{{Short description|English film director}} {{Infobox person | image = Andrew de Burgh at the 2026 Beverly Hills Film Festival.jpg | caption = de Burgh at the 2026 Beverly Hills Film Festival | name = Andrew de Burgh | birth_name = Andrew de Burgh Sidley | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1990|06|16}} | birth_place = Shrewsbury, Shropshire, United Kingdom | occupation = {{hlist|Film director|screenwriter|producer}} | alma_mater = Pepperdine University (BA)| | years_active = 2015–present }}
'''Andrew de Burgh Sidley''' (born 16 June 1990) is a British filmmaker. He began his career with the psychological thriller short film ''Just One Drink'' (2015), which starred Barbara Nedeljakova and was released as an Editor's Pick by ShortsTV, the distributor behind each year's Academy Award Nominated Short Films.<ref name="Bidhan Rebeiro">{{Cite news |url = https://www.cinemadorshon.com/face-to-face/article/107 |title = Diverse cultural background shaped filmmaker Andrew de Burgh| first =Bidhan | last = Ribeiro | work =Cinema Dorshon| date= 24 December 2024}}</ref> The film received critical acclaim, holding a 100% rating on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/just_one_drink |title = Just One Drink on Rotten Tomatoes| website=Rotten Tomatoes}}</ref>
After founding the production company Sacred Ember Films, he made his feature filmmaking debut with the science fiction film ''The Bestowal'' (2019), which premiered at MegaCon and was released on Prime Video, Tubi and Google Play by Indie Rights.
His second feature film as writer-director, the horror thriller film ''The Seductress from Hell'' (2024), which starred Jason Faunt, James Hyde and Andrew Lauer had its World Premiere at the Glendale International Film Festival<ref name="Hayden Dobb">{{Cite news |url = https://www.pasadenaweekly.com/arts_and_events/a-devilish-debut-the-seductress-from-hell-to-premiere-at-glendale-international-film-festival/article_8f2d677c-75f8-11ef-b6b7-23ecb6335eb1.html |title = A Devilish Debut: ‘The Seductress from Hell’ to premiere at Glendale International Film Festival| first =Hayden | last = Dobb | work =Pasadena Weekly| date= 19 September 2024}}</ref> and its Los Angeles premiere at the Micheaux Film Festival.<ref name="September 17, 2024">{{Cite news|url = https://deadline.com/2024/09/micheaux-film-festival-2024-viola-davis-michael-ealy-morris-chestnut-michael-gandolfini-1236090280/ | title =2024 Micheaux Film Festival Lineup| first =Zac | last = Ntim | work =Deadline| date= 17 September 2024}}</ref>
== Early life and education == de Burgh was born in Shrewsbury, Shropshire and moved to Binfield, Berkshire as a child. Fascinated with movies from a young age, early favorites of his included ''Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace'' (1999), ''Small Soldiers'' (1998) and ''Toy Story'' (1995). He studied at Lambrook in Winkfield and spent a lot of his teenage years watching movies at the Vue Cinema in Reading, Berkshire.<ref name="Michael Ribbeck">{{Cite news |url = https://www.bracknellnews.co.uk/news/25900853.filmmaker-lands-films-global-streaming-platforms/ |title = Filmmaker lands films on global streaming platforms| first =Michael | last = Ribbeck | work =Bracknell News| date= 2 March 2026}}</ref>
He was inspired to become a professional filmmaker after watching Christopher Nolan's ''Batman Begins'' (2005).<ref name="Chijioke Chukwuemeka"/> Relocating to the United States, he attended Pepperdine University in Malibu, where he double majored in Film Studies and Advertising. While in college, he wrote, produced, directed and acted in numerous student films.<ref name="Bidhan Rebeiro"/>
== Career == In 2015, de Burgh wrote, produced and directed the psychological thriller short film ''Just One Drink''. Telling the story of a mysterious woman (Barbara Nedeljakova) who uses Facebook to lure two young men to her apartment for a New Year's Eve party, the film premiered at the Chinese American Film Festival. In his review of the film, ''Cinema Crazed'' critic Felix Vasquez said of de Burgh, "if ''Just One Drink'' is anything to go by, he has potential to create a cinematic masterpiece".<ref name="Felix Vasquez">{{Cite web|url = https://www.cinema-crazed.com/blog/2016/02/25/just-one-drink-2016/ | title = Just One Drink Short Film Review| first = Felix | last = Vasquez | work = Cinema Crazed| date= 25 February 2016}}</ref> In her review, Dread Central critic Staci Layne Wilson called de Burgh "a promising young director".<ref name="Staci Layne Wilson">{{Cite web|url = https://www.dreadcentral.com/reviews/155270/just-one-drink-2016/ | title = Just One Drink (Short) | first = Staci | last = Layne Wilson | work = Dread Central| date= 15 March 2016}}</ref> In 2016, he played series regular Sean Mercer in season five of the Daytime Emmy nominated web series ''Youthful Daze'' alongside Chrishell Stause, Melissa Archer, Bryan Dattilo, Sarah Joy Brown, Eden Riegel and Sean Kanan.<ref name="Chijioke Chukwuemeka">{{Cite web|url = https://www.soapoperaspy.com/2016/youthful-daze-exclusive-interview-andrew-de-burgh-discusses-role-of-sean-mercer-dishes-on-new-movie-just-one-drink/ | title = Youthful Daze Exclusive Interview: Andrew de Burgh Discusses Role Of Sean Mercer, Dishes On New Movie 'Just One Drink'| first = Chijioke | last = Chukwuemeka | work = Soap Opera Spy| date= 30 March 2016}}</ref>
thumb|left|upright=0.63|de Burgh at the 2017 Polish Film Festival Los Angeles In 2017, he wrote, produced and directed the short silent film ''The Twisted Doll'' which premiered at the Polish Film Festival Los Angeles. In his review of the film, ''Cinema Crazed'' critic Felix Vasquez wrote that it "works at a nine minute run time with a premise that could very well be stretched into an eighty minute movie".<ref name="Felix Vasquez Jr.">{{Cite web|url = https://www.cinema-crazed.com/blog/2017/05/16/the-twisted-doll-2017/ | title = The Twisted Doll (2017) Review| first = Felix | last = Vasquez Jr. | work = Cinema Crazed| date= 16 May 2017}}</ref> In the same year, he wrote and directed the virtual reality horror short film ''Queen of Hearts'' starring Christina Calph of the film ''Arthur''.<ref name="Michael Ribbeck"/>
After founding the production company Sacred Ember Films,<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://voyagela.com/interview/meet-andrew-de-burgh-sacred-ember-films-orange-county/ | title = Introducing Sacred Ember Films, a production company founded by filmmaker Andrew de Burgh| first =Melissa | last = Garcia | work =Voyage LA Magazine| date= 9 April 2019}}</ref> he wrote, produced and directed the science fiction film ''The Bestowal'' (2019) which had its World Premiere at MegaCon and also screened at the Dhaka International Film Festival and the Lake City International Film Festival (where he won the festival's Best Director award). It had its Virginia premiere at the Clifton Film Celebration, where it was nominated for Best Feature Film.<ref name="Hanan Daqqa">{{Cite news|url = https://www.fairfaxtimes.com/articles/how-my-feature-filmmaking-dream-came-true/article_e9295882-28e9-11ea-b545-033278d0660f.html | title =How a feature filmmaking dream came true| first =Hanan | last = Daqqa | work =Fairfax County Times| date= 27 December 2019}}</ref> The film tells the story of a suicidal businessman (Sam Brittan) who is visited by an inter-dimensional being appearing in the form of a beautiful woman (Sharmita Bhattacharya). Drawing comparisons to ''Interstellar'',<ref name="Mark Goodyear">{{Cite web|url = https://battleroyalewithcheese.com/2019/09/the-bestowal-review/ | title = The Bestowal Review| first = Mark | last = Goodyear | work = Battle Royale with Cheese| date= 4 September 2019}}</ref> the film scored an approval rating of 75% on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 8 reviews.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_bestowal |title = The Bestowal on Rotten Tomatoes| website=Rotten Tomatoes }}</ref> ''Starburst'' critic Ryan Pollard called it "unique, challenging and thought-provoking".<ref name="Ryan Pollard">{{Cite web|url = https://www.starburstmagazine.com/reviews/the-bestowal/ | title = The Bestowal Review: An equally brilliant and frustrating debut feature from Andrew de Burgh| first = Ryan | last = Pollard | work = Starburst Magazine| date= 28 August 2018}}</ref> It was released on Prime Video, Tubi and Google Play by Indie Rights in November 2019.<ref name="Ananya Chopra">{{Cite news|url = https://nofilmschool.com/micro-budget-feature-scored-fresh | title =Andrew de Burgh: Inspirations behind The Bestowal| first =Ananya | last = Chopra | work =No Film School Magazine| date= 1 June 2021}}</ref>
In 2021, de Burgh co-produced and directed the animated short film ''The Legend of Santa'' which premiered at the BAFTA qualifying film festival DokuFest. Based on the children's book ''A Magical Christmas Adventure'' by British author Daniel Colyer, the film tells an origin story of Santa Claus that combines historical fiction and fantasy elements. In his review of the movie, ''Film Threat'' critic Bobby LePire said of it, "the film's world is inviting and feels truly magical".<ref name="Bobby LePire">{{Cite web|url = https://filmthreat.com/reviews/the-legend-of-santa/ | title = The Legend of Santa Review| first = Bobby | last = LePire | work = Film Threat| date= 20 May 2021}}</ref> Jason Knight of ''UK Film Review'' gave it five out of five stars, calling it "a moving story, filled with marvelous animation and an outstanding score".<ref name="Jason Knight">{{Cite web|url = https://www.ukfilmreview.co.uk/post/the-legend-of-santa-short-animated-film-review | title = The Legend of Santa short animated film review| first = Jason | last = Knight | work = UK Film Review| date= 29 March 2021}}</ref>
thumb|right|upright=0.65|de Burgh filming ''The Twisted Doll'' TV series Season One of his TV series as creator and writer-director, the crime thriller ''The Twisted Doll'' (2024-2025) released on October 31, 2024, on ZEE5 and Cpics.<ref name="Bidhan Rebeiro"/> Executive produced by Kavi Raz, the show tells the story of a young Indian woman who embarks on a revenge mission in Los Angeles after her and her husband are scammed by two real estate agents. Starring Summer Singh, Xander Bailey, Bree Mignano, Felix Merback and Andrew Ghai in the lead roles, it also featured guest appearances from Will Roberts of ''Oppenheimer'' and Chelsea Gilson of ''Hawaii Five-0''.<ref name="Kristen Armstrong">{{Cite news|url = https://canvasrebel.com/meet-andrew-de-burgh/ | title =Meet Andrew de Burgh| first =Kristen | last = Armstrong | work =CanvasRebel| date= 8 December 2024}}</ref>
His second feature film, ''The Seductress from Hell'' (2024), which starred Jason Faunt,<ref>{{Cite news |url= https://ghmoviefreak.com/hollywood-writer-director-andrew-de-burgh-chats-the-seductress-from-hell-starring-jason-faunt-before-the-film-festival-circuit/ |title = Behind the scenes of "The Seductress from Hell" - A chat with writer-director Andrew de Burgh | first =Tony | last = Asankomah | work =GH MovieFreak| date= 12 January 2024}}</ref> James Hyde, Andrew Lauer, Rocio Scotto and Raj Jawa had its World Premiere at the 2024 Glendale International Film Festival<ref name="Hayden Dobb"/> and its Los Angeles premiere at the Micheaux Film Festival where de Burgh was nominated for the festival's Outstanding Directing for a Feature Award.<ref name="Michael Ribbeck"/> In his review of the film, ''Film Threat'' critic Terry Sherwood gave it a score of 7 out of 10, stating that it is "quirky enough to fit next to the more extreme Asian and European offerings".<ref name="Terry Sherwood">{{Cite web|url = https://filmthreat.com/reviews/the-seductress-from-hell/ | title = The Seductress from Hell Review| first = Terry | last = Sherwood | work = Film Threat| date= 13 May 2024}}</ref>
[[File:Andrew de Burgh at the 2025 Glendale International Film Festival.jpg|thumb|left|upright=0.92|de Burgh participating in a Q&A moderated by ASIFA-Hollywood executive director Frank Gladstone]] The claymation short film ''The Magic of Santa Claus'' (2025), which he wrote, produced and directed, premiered at the 2025 Dhaka International Film Festival and screened at the Glendale International Film Festival. The film tells a story of Santa Claus receiving tragic news just as he's about to travel around the world to deliver presents on Christmas Eve.<ref name="Bidhan Rebeiro"/>
[[File:Andrew de Burgh at the 2025 American Film Market.jpg|thumb|right|upright=0.7|de Burgh at the 2025 American Film Market]] His third feature film, the horror comedy ''The Demoness'' (2026), which starred Akihiro Kitamura, Riley Nottingham, Bella Glanville, Sydney Culbertson, Mark Pontarelli, Haruka Igarashi and Amelia Gotham, was released on Video on demand on January 5, 2026.<ref name="A.J. Friar">{{Cite news |url = https://pophorror.com/indie-horror-the-demoness-now-available-on-digital-platforms/ |title = The Demoness Now Available on Digital Platforms| first =A.J. | last = Friar | work =PopHorror| date= 5 January 2026}}</ref> It tells the tale of a demonic succubus who visits Earth to torment the human race. Norman Gidney of ''HorrorBuzz'' gave it a 6 out of 10, writing "The shots are nicely composed and even have some creative flair. The pace could be better and the dialogue could be polished but ''The Demoness'' is at least fun".<ref name="Norman Gidney">{{Cite web|url = https://horrorbuzz.com/movies/the-demoness/ | title = The Demoness Review| first = Norman | last = Gidney | work = HorrorBuzz| date= 30 December 2025}}</ref> Douglas Davidson of ''Elements of Madness'' gave it a 2.5 out of 5 and compared it to the ''Terrifier'' series, stating "In an era of Art the Clown, where violence can occur for the sake of it, sometimes mayhem can scratch an itch something more cerebral can’t satisfy; yet, in the absence of intellectualism, even creature kills lose their luster".<ref name="Douglas Davidson">{{Cite web|url = https://elementsofmadness.com/2025/11/03/demoness/ | title = The Demoness attempts grafting supernatural horror onto moral quandaries to ill-effect.| first = Douglas | last = Davidson | work = Elements of Madness| date= 3 November 2025}}</ref> Lúcio Reis Filho of ''Film Obsessive'' praised the film, writing "de Burgh’s ''The Demoness'' is a refreshing, provocative piece in the landscape of contemporary horror cinema. Although at first glance it may pass for a mere ‘blast from the past’, the film goes much further, presenting a critical approach and a distinctly modern visual aesthetic".<ref name="Lúcio Reis Filho">{{Cite web|url = https://filmobsessive.com/film/new-releases/in-the-demoness-a-succubus-serves-up-a-social-reckoning/ | title = In The Demoness, a Succubus Serves Up A Social Reckoning| first = Lúcio | last = Reis Filho | work = Film Obsessive| date= 2 March 2026}}</ref> In his review of the film, Don Anelli of ''Asian Movie Pulse'' wrote "The film’s true strength lies in its unapologetic energy. There is a palpable sense of glee in the Succubus’ execution of her victims".<ref name="Don Anelli">{{Cite web|url = https://asianmoviepulse.com/2026/02/the-demoness-2025/ | title = The Demoness by Andrew de Burgh Film Review| first = Don | last = Anelli | work = Asian Movie Pulse| date= 27 February 2026}}</ref>
''Upcoming Horror Movies'' critic Meredith Brown gave it a 6 out of 10, writing "''The Demoness'' was not without merit, though. Reducing the duration by ten minutes, enabling the lead actors to articulate their lines more clearly, and shifting the focus away from Jack and Sarah would elevate the rating of this production to 7 out of 10".<ref name="Meredith Brown">{{Cite web|url = https://www.upcominghorrormovies.com/review/demoness-2025 | title = The Demoness Review| first = Meredith | last = Brown | work = Upcoming Horror Movies| date= 27 April 2026}}</ref> Anton Bitel of ''Projected Figures'' wrote "There may be, as the title promises, a red-coated, dimension-slipping succubus (Sydney Culbertson) – with angular movements, bat-like facial features and Nosferatu-like shadowplay – prowling these mean streets for prey to torment and slay, but really the denizens of this metropolis are already doomed long before she arrives for her bit of fun".<ref name="Anton Bitel">{{Cite web|url = https://projectedfigures.com/2025/09/03/the-demoness-2025/ | title = The Demoness (2025)| first = Anton | last = Bitel | work = Projected Figures| date= 3 September 2025}}</ref> ''Nerdly'' critic Phil Wheat gave it four out of five stars, concluding "''The Demoness'' is a lively, imaginative, and thoroughly enjoyable supernatural romp. It's blend of horror, humour, and myth gives it a distinctive identity, and Culbertson’s performance alone is worth the price of admission".<ref name="Phil Wheat">{{Cite web|url = https://www.nerdly.co.uk/2025/11/12/the-demoness-review/ | title = The Demoness Review| first = Phil | last = Wheat | work = Nerdly| date= 12 November 2025}}</ref> In his review, Terry Sherwood of ''Bloody Flicks'' wrote "It’s quirky, uneven, sometimes heavy-handed, with Harold Pinter pauses similar to theatrical scenes with actors waiting for an audience laugh. For viewers expecting a straight "Punish the men" this may frustrate. For those willing to embrace its odd dialogue tone and words it offers a mix of chills, chuckles, and mayhem".<ref name="foo">{{Cite web|url = https://bloody-flicks.co.uk/2025/10/12/the-demoness-review/ | title = The Demoness Review| first = Terry | last = Sherwood | work = Bloody Flicks| date= 12 October 2025}}</ref> ''Film Threat'' critic Bobby LePire gave it a 7 out of 10, writing that the film "offers up a fun, twisted time with solid effects and good acting".<ref name=“Bobby Lepire">{{Cite web|url = https://filmthreat.com/reviews/the-demoness/ | title = The Demoness| first = Bobby | last = Lepire | work = Film Threat| date= 1 June 2026}}</ref>
==Personal life== de Burgh lives in Los Angeles and is a supporter of Liverpool F.C.. In his free time, he enjoys watching movies and playing video games.<ref name="Chijioke Chukwuemeka"/>
== Filmography ==
===Feature films=== * ''The Bestowal'' (2019) * ''The Seductress from Hell'' (2024) * ''The Demoness'' (2026)
===Television=== * ''The Twisted Doll'' (2024)
===Short films=== * ''Just One Drink'' (2015) * ''The Twisted Doll'' (2017) * ''Queen of Hearts'' (2017) * ''The Legend of Santa'' (2021) * ''The Magic of Santa Claus'' (2025)
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == * {{IMDb name|5410488}}
{{Andrew de Burgh}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:de Burgh, Andrew}} Category:1990 births Category:American film production company founders Category:English emigrants to the United States Category:English male screenwriters Category:Living people Category:Pepperdine University alumni Category:21st-century English screenwriters