The Second Life of Freddie Nole

Dana Nachman

Director

Dana Nachman is an award-winning director and the creative force behind Sweet World Films. Known for her ability to craft emotionally powerful narratives, her work has captivated millions worldwide. Dana’s films and series stream on Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+. At the heart of all of Nachman’s work is a driving purpose: to energize people to take part in repairing the world. Whether through uplifting stories of human resilience or calls for social change, her films seek to spark empathy, action, and hope. A former journalist turned filmmaker, Nachman made her directorial debut with‬‭ Witch Hunt‬‭,‬ executive produced and narrated by Sean Penn, which premiered at the Toronto International‬ Film Festival before being acquired by MSNBC Films. Since then, she has helmed five‬ additional feature documentaries, all of which have been successfully sold and distributed to‬ global audiences.‬

Her critically acclaimed documentary‬‭ Pick of the Litter‬‭ (2018) led to a Disney+ original series‬ adaptation, which she showran and directed.‬‭ Dear Santa‬‭ (2020), acquired by IFC Films, not‬ only became a Hulu hit but was also adapted into a series, which Nachman directed. The series‬ premiered on ABC in December 2022 and is now streaming its second season on Hulu. The film‬ earned the Best Feature Film award at‬‭ Tribeca X‬‭ , along‬‭ with eight Telly Awards and a Brand‬ Film Award.‬

Nachman’s 2015 documentary‬‭ Batkid Begins‬‭ was acquired‬‭ and distributed by‬‭ Warner‬ Bros./New Line Cinema‬‭ and was optioned by Julia Roberts' production company,‬‭ Red Om‬ Films‬‭ , for a narrative adaptation.‬ Her storytelling prowess extends beyond documentary filmmaking. Her narrative short‬‭ Hook Up‬ 2.0‬‭ premiered at‬‭ Tribeca Film Festival‬‭ , while‬‭ The‬‭ Final Show‬‭ , starring Marion Ross, won‬ multiple comedy awards.‬

Recognized as a leader in the field, Nachman has received Best Female Director honors at both‬ the‬‭ Cleveland International Film Festival‬‭ and‬‭ Seattle‬‭ International Film Festival‬‭. She has also‬ been selected twice as a U.S. envoy for the prestigious‬‭ American Film Showcase‬‭, traveling‬ globally with the State Department to promote film diplomacy.