Judy Peiser (born June 4, 1945) is a filmmaker as well as co-founder and executive director of the Center for Southern Folklore in Memphis, Tennessee, United States. She graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from the University of Illinois and a master's degree from the University of Memphis.
Peiser founded the Center for Southern Folklore in 1972 along with William Ferris.
Peiser has produced and edited documentary films including Fannie Bell Chapman: Gospel Singer, Gravel Springs Fife and Drum, and Ray Lum: Mule Trader, available on the Folkstreams project's website.[1] In interviews she has cited a desire to meet and understand different people as one of the main motivators for her work.[2]
She is heavily involved in the Memphis Jewish community and often speaks of her faith.
She is a member of the board of directors of the North American Folk Alliance.[3]