Filmmaker Profile: Emma Josephson
Emma Josephson
Emma Josephson is a queer screenwriter, director, and commercial editor. Her writing/directing portfolio explores themes of searching for meaning and direction in our otherwise chaotic world. Her thoughtful and expressive stories are often illustrated through a surrealist lens. Emma’s films are a reflection of her upbringing and relationships, she seeks to share stories that anyone can find comfort & connection in. As a multi-hyphenate creative, she works on independent productions, branded content, and music videos.
As a screenwriter, her work was nominated for a Student Emmy, and her films have received support through Film Pipeline, OMPA, Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), WIF, and Koerner Camera.
Emma's award-winning narrative films have been official selections at prestigious film festivals such as Beyond Fest, Tacoma Film Festival, and Seattle Queer Film Festival as well as the Academy Award-qualifying Atlanta Film Festival & Dances With Films. After a successful festival run, with her award-winning dark psychological drama, BURY YOUR FISH premiered online with Short of the Week in ‘23.
This Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Fest Filmmaker Q&A series
Why does this story need to be told now?
I was super interested in filling a gap in queer representation with seeing older lesbian couples (without a huge age gap) but also seeing queer intergenerational friendships.
Describe who you want this film to reach.
The main audience for this film is definitely just queer people in general.
How do you want people to feel after they see your film?
I'm not used to writing/directing films in this genre and I really wanted the audience to feel warm and fuzzy as they watch Maggie and Jean's relationship (and Maggie & Orion) develop.
What was your favorite part of making your film? Memories from the process?
I think working with all the older actors on set was such a fun experience, they were super thankful that they got the chance to play these queer characters. Also, all the women in the crafting group and thrift store were just so delightful to work with. We had such a fun time on set!
What inspired you to pursue a career in filmmaking?
In a way it feels like the only option for me, I always knew I wanted to be an artist of some kind and when I found filmmaking it was just the perfect intersection of all the different art forms combined into one practice!
What’s the last film you watched?
It's What's Inside! I was excited to watch it because it was shot in Portland Oregon (where I am from)
Early bird or night owl?
Early Bird!
Emma Josephson's Q&A is part of the Bushwick Film Festival Filmmaker Q&A series.
