Sebastian Siegel(I)

Sebastian Siegel is a British-American screenwriter, director, author, and actor from Oxford, England. His father is Indian religions professor and acclaimed writer, Lee Siegel. His grandfather, Leonard Thompson, was an active opponent of apartheid, author, and professor of South African history at Yale. Sebastian began studying drama at age seven. He was accepted to college at age fifteen to study theatre, and won the drama prize at Kent School.

He often credits gratefulness to theatre, zen, rigorous exercise, authors Alan Watts, Ken Wilber, James Hollis, other philosophers and artists, and friend and mentor James Whitmore.

Sebastian's first feature film, "Grace and Grit" (adapted from Ken Wilber's book and true story) premiered at The Chinese Theatre IMAX, is one of the top trending movies on Netfilx in many Latin American countries, and in the US streams on Apple and Amazon. The Mexican Consulate honored the film with a special screening to highlight Latin and Mexican values in art and storytelling. The movie opened to acclaimed reviews from both numerous global luminaries and audiences. This acclaim was in diametric contrast to two controversial hit pieces by paid reviewers.

"I'm now at a stage where I'm just tipping over the dark night of the soul, and this film [Grace and Grit] has been very good for me because there's a fine edge between existential despair and then suddenly liberation"

• Deepak Chopra

"Like the book it's adapted from, this film is brilliant. Grace and Grit will shake you, and maybe even awaken you in some way. This movie is a must-see, especially for anyone interested in love or consciousness."

• John Mackey, Founder of Whole Foods

"Grace and Grit is a movie that takes you on a spiritual journey into the depths of love, and then beyond. Sebastian Siegel is a dexterous and original director, his movie is transcendent storytelling at its best."

• Alex Grey, CoSM

"Grace and Grit is visual and emotional poetry. The incredible original score by Kim & Kathryn Kluge (Scorsese's "Silence") is a perfect meld. It's an emotional roller coaster. This film leaves you feeling that love is the alpha and the omega." - Behind The Lens

"Grace and Grit is an epic love story. Sebastian's adaptation of this powerful book stays true to the source... this movie is a testament to the transformative powers of love."

• Marianne Williamson

"This film stays with you, it grabs you. Both lead actors give Oscar worthy performances. Mena Suvari's revelatory performance is haunting me days later. Siegel's work feels expansive and creative. It's not just incredibly intimate... it's open and raw."

• Julia Ormond

Sebastian has appeared on more health magazine covers than any natural athlete in history - over 100 covers from Men's Fitness to Iron Man and Fitness RX.

"Sebastian Siegel has appeared on over 100 magazine covers from Men's Fitness to Iron Man and has either represented or owned portions of companies that have sold for values from 12M to 280M."

• Business Rockstars Radio

"[Siegel's first documentary] film, Awakening World, takes you out of your own private hell. Likewise there are some beautiful and unexpected answers... viewers will enjoy the insights and these are excellent questions to ask. There's no time like the present to awaken."

• Whole Life Times

"Sebastian's art is shown in the way he brings people together."

• don Miguel Ruiz, author of The Four Agreements

"Dear Mr. Siegel, your commitment to sharing with our incarcerated youths is inspiring. They were mesmerized by your stories and insightful answers. You were able to project the positive, motivating passion of self-worth and purpose of being; strong characteristics we seek to teach as they attempt to re-enter communities. Thank you." - County of Los Angeles

"Sebastian Siegel draws insights into the beauty and complexities of the human condition with an inspiring and original voice." - Marianne Williamson

In 2025 Siegel released the series "The Eight Questions" on YouTube. He wrote, produced, and directed 51 episodes that are now streaming.