Susan Seidelman (born December 11, 1952, Philadelphia) is an American film director, producer and writer. She came to prominence in the 1980s with Smithereens, which was the first American independent feature to be screened in Competition at the Cannes Film Festival, and Desperately Seeking Susan, featuring Madonna in her first film role. Seidelman's films continue to mix comedy with drama, blending genres and pop-cultural references with a focus on women protagonists, particularly outsiders. She also works in television and is known for directing the pilot of Sex and the City.