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Emma Seligman        

Director & Screenwriter, Known for "Shiva Baby" and "Bottoms"

Emma Seligman is a Canadian filmmaker and writer, celebrated for their distinctive voice in contemporary cinema. They gained widespread recognition for their debut feature film, "Shiva Baby," a dark comedy that explores themes of identity, family, and sexuality. The film, adapted from their 2018 short of the same name, was lauded for its razor-sharp wit, claustrophobic tension, and deeply relatable storytelling, earning critical acclaim, a devoted fanbase, and the 2022 Independent Spirit John Cassavetes Award.

Born and raised in Toronto, Seligman studied at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where they first conceived of "Shiva Baby." The success of the film established them as a rising talent in the industry, praised for their ability to blend humor and discomfort with a keen observational eye.

Seligman continued to push creative boundaries in 2023 with their sophomore feature, "Bottoms," a lesbian teen sex comedy which premiered at SXSW to rave reviews. Co-written with actress Rachel Sennott, who also starred in both films, "Bottoms" demonstrated Seligman’s flair for subverting genre conventions and amplifying underrepresented voices in cinema.

A champion of LGBTQ+ representation and women’s perspectives in film, Seligman’s work has been hailed for its authenticity and cultural relevance. A Forbes 30 Under 30, they are celebrated for their bold storytelling and innovative vision.

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