Scope Screenings, the Seattle-based film festival, recently wrapped up its third season with a bang, marking the last event of 2024 at the SIFF Uptown Theater. The festival has become a beacon for local artists and filmmakers, providing a platform for creatives to showcase their work, connect with like-minded individuals, and foster a sense of community.

A Platform for Diverse Voices

One of Scope Screenings' defining features is its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The festival showcases a wide range of films from local directors and artists, including music videos, commercials, documentaries, and shorts.

Mathew Bermudez and Bel Garcia, filmmakers from Drip Media, highlighted the significance of Scope Screenings in bringing together diverse cultures. "It's just able to kind of share what we what we are, and who we are with the community here," said Bermudez. They were particularly excited to cover the first-ever Hispanic Heritage Night at a Seattle Kraken game, emphasizing the importance of representation and cultural expression.

A Nurturing and Supportive Environment

Beyond showcasing films, Scope Screenings has cultivated a nurturing and supportive environment for artists.

Onna Joshika, a local artist, emphasized the sense of community she found at the festival. "It feels amazing coming here and meeting so much community," Joshika said. "I've made so many friends here, I've met so many new artists and people that are in the industry." She highlighted the role of Lex Scope, the festival director, in uplifting the Black community and providing opportunities for artists to connect and collaborate.

Darryl Crews, a musician, echoed these sentiments, describing Lex Scope as an "innovator, visionary, and connector." He emphasized the importance of investing in Scope Screenings and its role in galvanizing the community.

A Place for Growth and Collaboration

Scope Screenings is not just a platform for established artists; it's also a space for emerging talent to grow and learn.

Nick Olson, head of media at Scope Screenings, shared how Lex Scope took him under his wing when he was starting out as a photographer. "I don't know if I'd be here today without Lex Scope," Olson stated. He highlighted the festival's role in fostering mentorship and collaboration among artists of all levels.

A Testament to the Power of Community

The success of Scope Screenings exemplifies the power of community and the importance of supporting local artists.

Omari Salisbury, from Converge Media, praised Lex Scope and the festival for creating a space where creatives can thrive. He encouraged people to participate in and support the movement, saying, "This works when we participate."

A Vision for the Future

As Scope Screenings looks ahead to its next season, its impact on the Seattle arts community is undeniable.

Shailee Stevens, co-founder and director of operations, expressed her excitement about the festival's most successful season yet. She emphasized the festival's unique approach to community building and its commitment to providing a platform for diverse voices. "Scope Screenings is a film festival unlike any other film festival," she said. "When you come to Scope Screenings, you're not just sitting in a movie theater watching films. You get to actually see the people who made the films, and connect with all of the filmmakers and your fellow community members."

Scope Screenings Is...

When asked to finish the sentence "Scope Screenings is...", everyone we spoke with offered a variety of responses that capture the essence of the festival:

• "Scope Screenings is life. Scope Screenings is love." - Onna Joshika

• "Scope Screenings is community." - Nick Olson, Shailee Stevens

• "Scope Screenings is one of a kind." - Deeanthony Marcell

• "Scope Screenings is exponential." - Darryl Crews

• "Scope Screenings is an opportunity for creatives to share space, energy, and their artwork." - OG Mambo

These quotes highlight the festival's impact on artists and its role in fostering a vibrant and supportive creative community in Seattle.

Join the Movement

Scope Screenings is more than just a film festival; it's a movement that celebrates creativity, community, and connection. If you're an artist or filmmaker in Seattle, or simply a lover of the arts, we encourage you to get involved and support this incredible initiative.

Remember, Scope Screenings is not just about watching movies; it's about meeting people, having fun, and building a community that supports and inspires each other.

As the curtains close on the 2024 season, Scope Screenings leaves behind a legacy of empowerment, creativity, and community. It's a reminder that the heart of Seattle's art scene beats strong, and with initiatives like Scope Screenings, it's only getting stronger. We eagerly await the next season, anticipating more groundbreaking films, more inspiring stories, and more connections forged within this vibrant community.