About Shelley Tepperman
An accomplished multilingual filmmaker and writer, sought-after story editor and pre-eminent literary translator, Shelley Tepperman is known for her distinctive voice—warm, witty and deeply human—that transports audiences into uncharted social, political and emotional landscapes.
After an initial career in theatre, Shelley spent several years story editing, writing and directing radio dramas for the CBC before transitioning to writing, directing and story editing for documentary television. She also translated over 35 plays from French and Spanish, earning three Governor General’s Award nominations.
Shelley’s filmmaking merges documentary and genre-blurring storytelling to foster empathy and connection, often amplifying diasporic narratives.
A sought-after story consultant, she has collaborated on films and series for Nat Geo, CBC, TFO and Super Channel, bringing her sharp narrative instincts and cross-cultural fluency to every project.
What People Say about Shelley’s Work
A gorgeous piece of work. I was very moved by the storytelling and was a bit teary several times…very successfully showed the power of food as a cultural tool to shape identity. The production values are as beautiful as the story telling.
– Al Magee, Creative Consultant for Showtime, re: Legacy in a Jar (2004)
Shelley transformed the way that I think about making documentaries! She inspired me to push my writing to a completely different level! She worked with passion and care to help me develop the writing of my film and craft the story that I am telling.
– Kristen Brown, Director and Director of Photography
Shelley’s feedback on my script has been invaluable. She has an innate sense of story and structure, and her notes are detailed and insightful. She has the ability to pinpoint emotional, structural and logistical issues, as well as recommend logical solutions. I would always hope to have Shelley on board as my script editor.
– Naomi Jaye, Director, Darkest Miriam
Shelley Tepperman’s English translation of The List (La Liste) is exceptional.
– Chicago Stage Review
“Shelley Tepperman has given Molière a witty translation, mirroring Berman’s clever and dizzying flood of ideas.”
– Paula Citron, Classical FM
Shelley during the filming of Il Paese, The Village
