Discover Local Artistry at the Central District’s Monthly Scope Screenings

For the past two months, Scope Screenings has emerged as an essential film festival in Seattle’s Central District, fostering community and showcasing diverse talent in Seattle's Central District. Held monthly at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute, the event brings together filmmakers, musicians, and artists for a unique and informal celebration of creativity.

Lex Scope, owner, creator and cultivator of the monthly festival and the self-proclaimed "friendly neighborhood film commissioner,” introduced the festival at the first Scope Screening in July. Recurring every last Tuesday of the month, Scope Screenings features “10 different artists, 10 different directors, and an explosion of community."

Taylor Freeman, Program Manager for the Seattle Black Film Festival, highlighted the crucial collaboration between Scope Screenings and the non-profit organization Langston. While attending the first Scope Screening, Freeman talked about a collective momentum towards artistry in videography in Seattle, emphasizing the importance of collaboration. “Doing things by ourselves doesn't work. It can easily create burnout, and so us working together, swapping, sharing resources, helps us create better events for our community." 

Freeman also pointed out the distinct atmosphere of Scope Screenings compared to other film festivals: "This one, it's a little bit more informal in the way that the community and the filmmakers can kind of come together and talk with each other and really get to know each other as artists.”

Kwabi Amoah-Forson, a humanitarian and actor, echoed the sentiment of collaboration, appreciating Lex Scope’s focus on Black and brown people coming together in the name of art. Amoah-Forson believed the festival is vital for "underrepresented voices," and hopes the audience takes away the message that “we all can create and we can all have the bravery to showcase it to people."

Musician Rell Be Free, who presented his music video "Top Ramen" at the first screening, felt a strong connection to the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. “It’s just relaxed. It's comfortable. It's Black and…you don't got to name it. It just is,” he said, hoping the audiences will recognize the venue as a community hub.

Artist Kenshi Killzzz, presenting her music video "Freaks," saw Scope Screenings as an underground film festival that allows filmmakers and videographers on the hyperlocal level to take the wins and find their platforms. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for these spaces that highlight local artists. "Showing up for your community shows where you want to put your money, where you want to put your time, where you want to put your efforts,” she said.

With unmatched creative energy and impactful intention, Scope Screenings stands as a testament to the power of community, collaboration, and local artistry, providing a vital platform for underrepresented voices and fostering a unique and welcoming environment for filmmakers and audiences alike.

Visit lexscopefilms.com to get tickets about upcoming festival dates every last Tuesday of the month, including this Tuesday, September 30th from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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