Albert Birney (born March 2, 1982) is an American filmmaker, writer, and animator best known for his visually imaginative and surreal films, including Strawberry Mansion (2021) and Sylvio (2017). His work blends hand-drawn animation, absurdist humor, and dreamlike storytelling. Birney is also known for co-creating the indie video game and animated project Tux and Fanny.
Early life and education Albert Birney was born in Wilmington, Delaware. He became interested in music and visual storytelling at a young age, co-founding the indie pop group The Spinto Band while still in high school. He later attended Syracuse University, where he earned a B.A. in Film in 2004.
Career
Early work and music Birney was one of the founding members of The Spinto Band, an indie rock group formed in the late 1990s. He left the band in the early 2000s to pursue filmmaking and visual arts full-time. He is also a founding member of Teen Men, Hotel Alien and releases music under his own name. Birney's early work directing music videos for these projects served as a segue into his narrative and experimental film career. He has directed music videos for bands such as Ra Ra Riot, Dr. Dog, Generationals, Future Islands and Dan Deacon.
Filmmaking Birney's breakout feature film was Sylvio (2017), which he co-directed with Kentucker Audley. The film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival and was named one of the best films of the year by The New Yorker.
In 2021, Birney and Audley co-directed Strawberry Mansion, a science fiction romantic fantasy that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. The film received critical acclaim for its imaginative visuals and analog aesthetic.
Birney is the creator of the animated project and video game Tux and Fanny, which features hand-drawn pixel art and surreal humor. The project received widespread praise for its originality and philosophical undertones.
In 2025, Birney released his sixth feature film, OBEX, continuing his exploration of analog and DIY filmmaking techniques.
Personal life Birney is the nephew of actor Reed Birney, who starred in Strawberry Mansion. He lives and works in Baltimore, Maryland.
Filmography
Feature films +YearTitleRole(s)Notes2010The Beast PageantCo‑director, writerEarly feature co-directed with Jon Moses (portfolio notes)2017SylvioCo‑director, co-writer, actor (in gorilla suit)Premiered at indie festivals like Maryland / SXSW; named one of the ten best films of 2017 by The New Yorker2019Tux and FannyDirector, writer2021Strawberry MansionCo-director, co-writerPremiered at Sundance 2021; critically acclaimed; stars include Reed Birney2022Eyeballs in the DarknessDirector, writer2025OBEXDirector, writerWorld premiere at Sundance 2025 on Jan 25; Oscilloscope acquired distribution
Music Videos
Short films and other projects +YearTitleRole(s)Notes1993Home, Forever and EverDirector, Animator2002HickoryDirector, AnimatorFeaturing Nicholas Gurewitch and Sarah Witt2004CactusDirectorCo-written by Vanessa Lauria201022 Action NewsDirector, Actor2017Bone GymDirector, AnimatorMusic by Thomas Hughes and Gretchen Lohse2018Keep Up the Good WorDirectorMade for the New Works screening at the Red Room on February 16, 20182018The Night FishDirector2018It Feels Like ForeverDirector, AnimatorProduced by Marnie Ellen Hertzler. Featured in the 2018 Maryland Film Festival.2021We're All Going To The World's FairAnimatorContributing animator of video game sequence 2023BuzzerDirectorMusic by Jimmy Joe Roche and Alexander Borodin202322 RoomsDirectorFeaturing furniture from American Antique Furniture vol. 1 by Edgar G. Miller, Jr.2024GruenfeldDirector2024I Saw the TV GlowActor, AnimatorIncludes an excerpt of Tux and Fanny2024Melody ElectronicsDirectorOfficial Selection of International Film Festival Rotterdam 20252025Tank FantasyDirector
References
External links Official Website
Albert Birney discography at Discogs Albert Birney on Bandcamp Tux and Fanny on YouTube