Emma Seligman
Who is Emma Seligman?
Emma Seligman is a rising Canadian film director and screenwriter known for her fresh, bold storytelling and LGBTQ+ representation in cinema. She gained critical acclaim for her feature directorial debut “Shiva Baby” (2020), a sharp-witted comedy that explores identity, anxiety, and queerness.
As one of the most exciting voices in modern indie filmmaking, Seligman continues to build a name for herself through her commitment to diverse narratives and authentic storytelling.
Early Life and Background
Emma Seligman was born in Toronto, Canada, on May 3, 1995, and personal details about her family are private. She was raised in a Jewish household, a background that has significantly influenced her creative work, especially in Shiva Baby, which draws heavily on Jewish culture and traditions.
Education
Emma studied film at the prestigious Tisch School of the Arts at New York University (NYU). She graduated in 2017 with a degree in Film and Television Production.
During her time at Tisch, she wrote and directed the short film Shiva Baby, which later served as the foundation for her feature-length debut. Her education laid a strong foundation for her technical skills and narrative vision.
Career and Professional Highlights
Early Work
Before her breakthrough, Seligman worked behind the scenes on several independent film projects. She served as a production intern and assistant on works like:
- Stage Fright
- Lunarcy
She also directed short films, including:
- Void (2017)
- Shiva Baby (Short, 2018)
These early experiences helped her develop a unique voice as a filmmaker, blending humor with deeply personal storytelling.
Breakthrough with Shiva Baby
Emma Seligman made a significant impact with her debut feature film, Shiva Baby, released in 2020. The film, adapted from her 2018 short of the same name, starred Rachel Sennott, Molly Gordon, and Polly Draper.
Shiva Baby centers on a young bisexual woman navigating a stressful encounter with her ex-girlfriend and sugar daddy at a Jewish funeral gathering. The film received praise for its sharp writing, claustrophobic tension, and authentic portrayal of bisexuality and Jewish identity.
It premiered at several prestigious festivals, including:
- SXSW Film Festival
- Toronto International Film Festival
- Outfest
- TIFF Next Wave
Seligman’s bold direction and ability to capture anxiety with dark humor earned her comparisons to filmmakers like Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig.
Personal Life
Is Emma Seligman Bisexual?
Yes, Emma Seligman openly identifies as bisexual, and this aspect of her identity is reflected in her work. Her film Shiva Baby is lauded for its authentic queer representation, particularly of bisexual and lesbian relationships.
Who Is Emma Seligman’s Partner?
As of now, Emma Seligman is possibly single. She has remained private about her romantic life, and there are no confirmed reports of a current partner.
Influence and Style
Seligman’s work often focuses on:
- Female and queer perspectives
- Jewish identity and cultural pressure
- Coming-of-age themes
- Intimate, character-driven storytelling
Her narrative style blends dark comedy, emotional tension, and relatable identity crises, creating stories that resonate with younger audiences and marginalized voices alike.
FAQs About Emma Seligman
1. What is Emma Seligman famous for?
She is best known for directing and writing the critically acclaimed film Shiva Baby.
2. Is Emma Seligman bisexual?
Yes, she identifies as bisexual and often includes queer themes in her work.
3. Where did Emma Seligman study film?
She graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts in 2017.
4. What is Shiva Baby about?
Shiva Baby follows a young bisexual woman who faces personal and social tension during a Jewish family gathering while unexpectedly encountering her ex and sugar daddy.
5. What are some other works by Emma Seligman?
Aside from Shiva Baby, she also directed short films like Void and worked on projects such as Stage Fright and Lunarcy in assistant roles.
