))
Danielle Scruggs: Curating the Future of Black Filmmaking
Manage episode 509314730 series 3579566
Ep #89: Danielle Scruggs: Curating the Future of Black Filmmaking
This conversation was recorded live in person on Saturday, September 27, 20205, at Lumpen Radio in Chicago.
Summary of the episode
In this episode of noseyAF, Stephanie talks with Danielle Scruggs—Chicago-based photo editor, photographer, writer, curator, and founder of Black Women Directors. Danielle recently curated File Under: Horror, a program spotlighting horror shorts by Black women and non-binary filmmakers. Together, they dive into why representation in film matters, how horror can be a powerful tool for storytelling, and the ways community sustains creative practice. Danielle also shares insights from organizing the Chicago Film Symposium, a celebration of Black filmmakers that fosters connection between artists and audiences.
This conversation explores the intersection of art, activism, and community building, while honoring the unique voices shaping the future of cinema.
What we talk about
- Danielle’s journey founding Black Women Directors
- Why horror is the perfect genre for telling underrepresented stories
- Behind-the-scenes of curating File Under: Horror
- Building community through the Chicago Film Symposium
- The challenges and joys of creating space for diverse filmmakers
Chapters
- 00:01 – Introduction to the Show
- 04:11 – Exploring the Impact of Black Women in Horror Film
- 29:16 – The Chicago Film Symposium: A Celebration of Black Filmmakers
- 36:46 – Exploring Creative Constraints in Filmmaking
- 47:22 – Exploring the Aspirations of Filmmaking
Things We Mentioned
All about Danielle Scruggs
You’re gonna love Danielle !—she’s a visionary curator, photo editor, and community builder who founded Black Women Directors to archive and amplify the work of Black women and non-binary filmmakers.
Danielle A. Scruggs (she/her) is a Chicago-based photo editor, photographer, writer, and curator with over 15 years of experience in photojournalism, curation, and film programming. She is the founder of Black Women Directors, a digital archive and curatorial platform celebrating the work of Black women and nonbinary filmmakers, featured in outlets like Marie Claire, The Cut, Blavity, and the British Film Institute. Danielle has worked as a photo editor at The Wall Street Journal, Getty Images, Vox Media, and ESPN.
Sponsor Shoutout 💖
This episode is brought to you by Artist Admin Hour
Artist Admin Hour is a weekly virtual co-working session for artists who need accountability and space to tackle the emails, grants, and admin that keep their practices moving forward. Come for the structure, stay for the community. Sign up at www.ArtistAdminHour.com
Connect with Danielle Scruggs
Connect with Stephanie
Support & Feedback
Episode Credits
Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)
Lyrics: Queen Lex
Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam
90 episodes
Share
