Sandy Tung

Sandy Tung is an American independent film director, writer and producer.

Early life and education

Tung was born on Staten Island, New York. He attended local schools in Staten Island and his later attended New York University, majoring in physics. At the university, he won two National Science Fellowships in biophysics and atomic physics. He graduated in physics, however, his love for films pushed him to pursue a career in show-business.

Film career

Tung made a short film, which earned him a full-scholarship to the New York University film school, from where he received an M.F.A. degree. After graduating from the film school, Tung worked in the film business in New York, working as an editor, sound editor, and also as a director of documentaries and shorts.

In 1983, he produced his first feature, “A Marriage,” which was the closing night selection of the New York Film Society's New Directors Festival. It was the winner of the best first film in the Houston Film Festival. The film was marked the debut of the new-comer, Isabel Glasser. Janet Maslin of the New York Times called it, "a knowing and believable portrait of a union, ...with more than its share of charm."

In 1985, he directed the “The Day the Senior Class Got Married” episode of CBS Schoolbreak Special. Tung received the Directors Guild Award for best daytime television director for his work.

In the late 80s, Tung left New York and moved to Los Angeles to pursue his career. In 1990, he wrote and directed the indie hit "Across the Tracks,” starring Brad Pitt and Ricky Schroder. The film won the Philadelphia Film Festival and the Los Angeles Times called it "an engaging movie of exceptional substance and insight that boasts shining performances..."

Tung’s latest film venture, "Evan's Crime", is a legal thriller starring Douglas Smith and David Arquette. The film was distributed nationwide by Orion Pictures and was an official selection of the Montreal, Boston, St. Louis, Sedona and Palm Beach International Film Festivals.

Awards and achievements

• Best first film in the Houston Film Festival for the film “A Marriage”
• Directors Guild Award for best daytime television director for the episode "The Day the Senior Class Got Married" of CBS Schoolbreak Special
• Best Feature Film at the New Orleans International Film Festival for “Confessions of a Sexist Pig”
• Werner Fassbinder Award at the Mannheim-Heidelberg International Film Festival, for “Confessions of a Sexist Pig”

Filmography