Danielle Scruggs: Curating the Future of Black Filmmaking

Ep #89: Danielle Scruggs: Curating the Future of Black FilmmakingThis conversation was recorded live in person on Saturday, September 27, 20205, at Lumpen Radio in Chicago.Summary of the episodeIn 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 aboutDanielle’s journey founding Black Women DirectorsWhy horror is the perfect genre for telling underrepresented storiesBehind-the-scenes of curating File Under: HorrorBuilding community through the Chicago Film SymposiumThe challenges and joys of creating space for diverse filmmakersChapters00:01 – Introduction to the Show04:11 – Exploring the Impact of Black Women in Horror Film29:16 – The Chicago Film Symposium: A Celebration of Black Filmmakers36:46 – Exploring Creative Constraints in Filmmaking47:22 – Exploring the Aspirations of FilmmakingThings We MentionedBlack Women DirectorsChicago Film SymposiumAll about Danielle ScruggsYou’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 HourArtist 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.comConnect with Danielle ScruggsBlack Women Directors InstagramDanielle’s WebsiteBlack Women Directors WebsiteConnect with StephanieCheck out my workFollow me on InstagramJoin the Good Stuff Only NewsletterListen to more episodesSupport & FeedbackShare noseyAF with friendsRate & Review the ShowBuy Pins & Prints | Shop ArtEpisode CreditsProduced, Hosted, and Edited by Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)Lyrics: Queen LexInstrumental: Freddie Bam Fam