Majestic Moments: Highlights from July's Scope Screenings

Last month, Scope Screenings brought together a vibrant community of filmmakers, artists, and creatives for an inspiring event at the Majestic Theater in Ballard, creating a truly inclusive atmosphere for showcasing diverse talent.

The event featured a rich selection of films and discussions, highlighting the power of storytelling and the unique creative spirit of Seattle. Here's a recap of some of the key voices and insights from this edition of Scope Screenings:

Darryl Foto and the Reclamation of Black Joy

Spoken word artist and poet Darryl Foto (Darryl Foto) presented his powerful piece, "Black Joy," which he described as a song found in the middle of a cotton field, epitomizing the innate nature and potential of the Black community. Foto emphasized that the inspiration for his work was "to find joy... a reminder that it exists and it's worth reclaiming." He spoke movingly about the historical context of Black joy, from singing Negro spirituals during slavery to being a source of entertainment on TikTok during the pandemic.

Foto's piece was not only impactful in its message but also gained a national platform through FOX SOUL. He expressed surreal gratitude for his work being chosen to usher in Back2Besa on FOX SOUL's 2025 theme of "Black Joy," highlighting the importance of the "right piece for the right moment." His hope for the audience was simple: "Joy, period, is alive and well... Your joy is a home that you should live in." Looking forward, Foto aims to use his art to make people feel seen, particularly those who feel voiceless.

Michael Huang and the Vision of Seattle as a Film City

Michael Huang, founder and managing director of Milli, a Seattle-based creative agency and Seattle Film Commissioner, showcased Milli's agency reel, as well as various commercial and narrative documentary projects. Huang's primary message was to signal to the world that "Seattle is a city of film." He emphasized the city's capacity for creating compelling, bleeding-edge, and globally appealing content, both commercial and narrative.

Huang reflected on the challenges of building a small business in the film and advertising industry over the past decade, but he sees challenges as part of the journey. He praised Scope Screenings and its founder, Lex Scope, as well as Converge Media, for their work in highlighting the region's talent and community. His hope for the audience was that they would recognize that Seattle offers robust opportunities for creatives and filmmakers to make a living, thereby contributing to a diverse and inclusive industry. Huang, who facilitates for filmmakers and content creators, is dedicated to developing Seattle's creative industry and fostering opportunities for emerging talent.

Justin Jeffers: Representing Black and Brown Voices

Director and Director of Photography Justin Jeffers screened "Para Dice and Home Team," along with a project for Goodwill with Milli. Having moved back to Seattle from Los Angeles, Jeffers' main goal is to "connect with community and make projects that represent us." He firmly believes in using his work to "put on for people that look like me," especially Black and Brown creatives who aspire to direct, DP, or act.

Jeffers acknowledged the challenge of creating films for community rather than solely for money, emphasizing the need for teamwork and trust. He highlighted that Scope Screenings shares his mission of uplifting underrepresented voices. His hope for the audience was for them to "experience true black and brown stories from the city of Seattle," and to realize that "we all have a voice." Moving forward, Jeffers aims to continue showcasing his voice in the film and music scenes while also helping younger filmmakers who are just starting out. He expressed gratitude to Lex Scope for creating a platform that amplifies the voices of those often overlooked in major film competitions and festivals.

Parisalexa: Bridging Music and Film

Artist, songwriter, and singer Parisalexa attended Scope Screenings as a "gleeful spectator," eager to be inspired by the magic created by local artists. As a musical artist, she expressed excitement about the potential for her emotional, relationship-based music to score films, particularly scenes involving "contention" or "self-discovery." She believes that adding visuals and film to her music would create a "3D element" and would love to see her work behind "incredible films."

Parisalexa deeply values the importance of music videos in a musician's career and praised her friend Cam Pana for his pristine music videos and inspiring cinematography. She hopes to collaborate with a filmmaker from the event to build visual worlds for her music. She emphasized the importance of Scope Screenings as a "mecca" for artists in Seattle, a rare and intentional gathering that fosters collaborations and connections within the creative community.

Besa: Creating Essential Artistic Spaces

Besa Gordon underscored the vital role of Scope Screenings in providing artistic spaces for those telling stories through music videos, segments, and other creative expressions. She commended Lex for proactively creating a space that was previously lacking in Seattle and Tacoma, allowing artists to not only showcase their work but also discuss their creative processes on stage.

A Thriving Creative Hub

This edition of Scope Screenings truly exemplified its mission to foster a vibrant and diverse creative community in Seattle. The interviews with Darryl Foto, Michael Huang, Justin Jeffers, and Parisalexa, along with Besa's insights, painted a clear picture of an event that not only screens films but also cultivates connections, amplifies voices, and celebrates the rich tapestry of artistic talent within the city and beyond. The collective sentiment was one of gratitude for a platform that champions local artists and contributes to the growth and recognition of Seattle as a significant hub for film and creative endeavors.

Catch the next Scope Screening on August 26th at Langston - www.ScopeScreening.com