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

• Black Women Directors
• Chicago Film Symposium

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

• Black Women Directors Instagram
• Danielle’s Website
• Black Women Directors Website

Connect with Stephanie

• Check out my work
• Follow me on Instagram
• Join the Good Stuff Only Newsletter
• Listen to more episodes

Support & Feedback

• Share noseyAF with friends
• Rate & Review the Show
• Buy Pins & Prints | Shop Art

Episode Credits

Produced, Hosted, and Edited by Stephanie (teaching myself audio editing!)

Lyrics: Queen Lex

Instrumental: Freddie Bam Fam

Mentioned in this episode:

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