Columbia Associate Provost Editor of New Book on 'Desperately Seeking Susan' Director Susan Seidelman

Campus Communications Staff / Sep 26, 2023

head shot of susan kerns
cover of book
Film producer and feminist film festival co-founder Susan Kerns is editor of “ReFocus: The Films of Susan Seidelman,” which includes Kerns’ interview with the director.

ŷɫƬ Associate Provost and Associate Professor in Cinema and Televisions ArtsSusan Kerns is editor and contributor of a soon-to-be-released book entitled “ReFocus: The Films of Susan Seidelman.” Kerns is also known as cofounder/codirector of the Chicago Feminist Film Festival and producer of the documentary “Manlife.” 

The book, published by Edinburgh University Press and currently with the code NEW30, is the first scholarly work to focus on the work of American director Susan Seidelman. Known for twisting genres for feminist stories and a career that has shifted from indie films to Hollywood studio movies to television, Seidelman directed the films “Smithereens” and “Desperately Seeking Susan” starring Madonna.  

Included in the book is Kerns’ interview with Seidelman, which examines Seidelman’s career and lesser-known films. Kerns also authored a piece about Seidelman’s first film “Smithereens,” the first American independent film to compete at Cannes for the Palme d'Or. 

The book will be widely available in late October, including at Target and on Amazon. To take advantage of the 30 percent presale price, visit and use the code NEW30. 

 

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