Emily Young

Emily Young (born 1970) is an award-winning English film director and screenwriter. Her film Veronika Decides to Die, an adaptation of the book by Paulo Coelho and starring Sarah Michelle Gellar was released in 2009.

Early life

Young, the third of four children, was born in Islington, London, the daughter of Helen Young (née Mason) and Hugo Young. Both her parents were journalists and her mother was also a charity worker and children's book author.

Career

Veronika Decides to Die

In 2008, filming for Veronika Decides to Die began in New York City. The film was released in Brazil first on 21 August 2009 and then released slowly around the world. However, it was not until 2015 that it was released in the US and it was only available in select theaters. The film is based on the novel Veronika Decides to Die written by Paulo Coelho. The film follows Veronika, played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, through her attempted suicide and her time at an institution afterwards.

Education

Young completed her education at the University of Edinburgh before training as a director at the Polish National film school.

Awards and nominations

• BAFTA Award Carl Foreman Award for Best Newcomer (2004): Kiss of Life
• Cannes Film Festival Cinefondation Award (1999): Second Hand

Nominations:

• British Independent Film Awards Douglas Hiscox Award (2004): Kiss of Life
• Copenhagen International Film Festival Golden Swan Award (2003): Kiss of Life
• Dinard Festival of British Cinema Golden Hitchcock (2003): Kiss of Life