The Independent Film Critics of America is very excited to welcome award-winning Director, writer, and playwright Shem Bitterman as our incoming Filmmaker in Residence for 2024. Shem Bitterman is an alumnus of Julliard, where he studied acting, and of the University of Iowa where he earned an MFA in Dramatic Writing in 1985.
Shem has written screenplays for various studios including Warner Brothers, Disney, Dreamworks, and many others. His plays have been developed at Sundance, Steppenwolf, Midwest Playlabs, The Taper’s New Works Festival, and many other venues and locations.
Shem Bitterman has lectured on the entertainment field and has taught screenwriting, playwriting, and acting everywhere from California to Beijing!
His most recent work is the film Distant Tales, filmed entirely during the pandemic which explores themes of mental health, social justice, and radicalization.
IFCA looks forward to collaborating with Shem over the upcoming year as we celebrate film and the community it creates that brings us together.