Visual Arts Past Faculty

Yaara Sumeruk

Yaara Sumeruk headshot

About

Yaara Sumeruk is a South African filmmaker living in NYC. She has worked in almost every aspect of filmmaking, from directing to editing, production and marketing. Sumeruk adapted the play Ringo into a short film, which premiered at The Locarno International Festival, Switzerland. Sumeruk served as creative director and editor on seven films for the U.N. General Assembly, and she also edited several short documentaries for The Malala Fund.

Sumeruk’s wide-ranging experience with filmmaking includes a two-year stint as Director of Video Production for Bond Strategy and Influence, where she edited trailers for films including Spike Lee’s feature Da Sweet Blood of Jesus (2014). Sumeruk held the post Director’s Assistant to James Ponsoldt for the production of Off the Black (2006, ThinkFilm). Additionally, Sumeruk assisted screenwriter Justin Haythe as Story Editor and Researcher for films including The Lone Ranger (2013). Sumeruk has also directed and edited music videos and commercials.

Sumeruk began teaching at Princeton in Fall 2016.  She has previously served as lecturer in Film at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Sumeruk is the recipient of an MFA in Creative Writing from the New School University, NYC, and BA in Film, Media and Visual Studies from University of Cape Town, South Africa. 

Campus Address

Lewis Center for the Arts
185 Nassau Street