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Acclaimed Director Celebrates Empowered Women in Music and Film
6 Nov
Summary
- Director Susan Seidelman praises "explosion of strong, powerful women in music" in last 5 years
- Her 1985 film "Desperately Seeking Susan" was a feminist hit that also made money for the studio
- Seidelman faced "movie jail" after some of her later films were criticized as "men-hating"
In a recent interview, acclaimed director Susan Seidelman, known for the 1985 hit "Desperately Seeking Susan," praised the "explosion of strong, powerful women in music" over the past five years. Seidelman, who is set to receive the Indie Star Award at Poland's Tauron American Film Festival, believes that female singer-songwriters are now confidently telling their personal stories through their music.
Seidelman's own career has been marked by a focus on female empowerment. She notes that "Desperately Seeking Susan" was not only a feminist film, but it also made money for the studio, surprising them. However, Seidelman faced challenges later in her career, with some of her films being criticized as "men-hating" and landing her in "movie jail."
The director laments the changes in the independent film scene, stating that the early 1980s, when she made her debut with "Smithereens," were a "wonderful time" for indie cinema, especially in New York. Seidelman believes the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the industry's shift, making it more difficult for filmmakers to break through.
Despite the obstacles, Seidelman remains passionate about telling stories that put women in control, whether in her films or in her work as a director on the influential TV series "Sex and the City." As she passes the baton to the next generation of filmmakers, Seidelman hopes to inspire others to find their unique voices and perspectives.
