Suzanne Schiffman, born Suzanne Klochendler on September 27, 1929, was a talented and accomplished screenwriter and director, leaving a lasting impact on the film industry. She was particularly renowned for her collaborative work with the esteemed French New Wave director François Truffaut, often contributing to the development of his films.
In fact, the character of Joelle, played by Nathalie Baye in Truffaut's 1973 film Day for Night, was loosely based on Schiffman herself. This portrayal accurately captured the close and collaborative nature of her working relationship with Truffaut, as well as her relationships with other prominent directors of the time.
Schiffman's early life was marked by a significant event, as her Jewish mother was detained by the Gestapo during World War II. However, her mother and sibling were ultimately hidden by a group of nuns, ensuring their safety. Following the war, Schiffman pursued her passion for art history at the Sorbonne.
Throughout her career, Schiffman worked closely with other prominent filmmakers, including Jean-Luc Godard and Jacques Rivette, in addition to her long-standing collaboration with Truffaut. Her contributions to the film industry were recognized with a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Day for Night, as well as a César Award for her work on The Last Metro with Truffaut.
Tragically, Schiffman passed away on June 6, 2001, due to complications related to cancer.
