Matthew Sandager is an award-winning filmmaker, animator, and artist. His diverse portfolio includes commissioned work for Sesame Street, New York Magazine, Women’s Wear Daily and John Derian as well as critically acclaimed short films and photography showcased in global film festivals and galleries.

His recent short film, The Fountaineer is the story of a humble maintenance man who fixes drinking fountains by day; but at night, dreams of one day building a spectacular water fountain masterpiece. The film won Best Animated Short at the Indie Film Festival in September 2023.

His ongoing work for Sesame Street has led to several films for the long-running children's television program including Number 8 Ocean from season 2024. Other commissioned films include The Number Three (Breakfast Magic) and Belly Breathe.

His previous short film Dear Henri, premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival and went on to be shown in over 35 film festivals around the world.

Matthew was born and raised in Minnesota and is based in New York City. He received his undergraduate degree in studio arts from the University of Minnesota and his MFA in Photography from the School of Visual Arts in New York, where he was the recipient of the Paula Rhodes Memorial Award. He was an artist-in-residence in LMCC’s 2022/23 Workspace Residency program in New York City.

(photo by Peter Ross @peterrossportraits)