Bernadette earned her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Romance Languages and Literatures from Vienna University in the year 1998, following a rigorous dissertation research process that explored the complex representation of AIDS in the media and its intersection with the Act Up movement.
Before pursuing her Ph.D., Bernadette delved into the fascinating field of semiotics at the Università degli studi di Bologna, where she was fortunate enough to be mentored by the esteemed scholar Umberto Eco.
Additionally, Bernadette expanded her intellectual horizons by studying medical anthropology at the prestigious École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales in the City of Light, Paris.
In the year 1999, Bernadette, a newly minted post-doctoral researcher, embarked on an exciting new chapter in her academic journey by making the bold decision to relocate to the United States, a country she would soon come to call home. Her sights were set on Stanford University, a prestigious institution renowned for its esteemed programs in comparative literature and film, and it was here that she would spend the next several years nurturing her passion for these subjects.
Bernadette occupies a prominent position as a Research Professor at the esteemed Johns Hopkins University, where she also assumes the role of director for the prestigious Center for Advanced Media Studies, a testament to her exceptional expertise and leadership abilities.
Bernadette has successfully diversified her professional endeavors beyond the realm of academia, exploring the realm of documentary filmmaking with great enthusiasm and dedication. Her inaugural film, "Made Over in America", was released in 2007 through Icarusfilms, and delves into the fascinating world of television makeover shows, specifically examining the phenomenon of The Swan. This thought-provoking documentary serves as a testament to Bernadette's creative vision and ability to captivate audiences.
In addition to her initial foray into documentary filmmaking, Bernadette has also ventured into more profound and emotionally charged territory with her second film, "See You Soon Again". Released in 2012 through The Cinema Guild, this poignant portrait tells the story of Viennese Holocaust survivor Leo Bretholz and his remarkable efforts to share his harrowing experiences with the youth of Baltimore. This powerful and moving film serves as a testament to Bernadette's ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences, while also highlighting the importance of preserving and sharing the stories of those who have lived through the most trying of times.
Bernadette has additionally had the distinction of directing not one, but two feature-length documentaries, each one a testament to her remarkable skill and dedication to the art of storytelling. The first of these documentaries, "The Good Breast", is a character-driven cinéma vérité film that masterfully weaves together the deeply personal and intimate stories of three breast cancer patients, seamlessly integrating their individual narratives with the rich history and mythology of the breast.
Here is the rephrased biography:
Saint Agatha's remarkable story is brought to life in Devoti tutti, a documentary that delves into the lesser-known aspects of her martyrdom. In 251 AD, Saint Agatha, a courageous saint, made the ultimate sacrifice by offering her breasts in a brutal act of devotion. This extraordinary feat has been immortalized in the devotional culture surrounding her yearly celebration in Catania, Sicily.
