L . Mattock “ Mattie ” Scariot
Director , Film Maker , 152 West Productions And CEO , Poppy Jasper International Film Festival
Mattie is more than a filmmaker . She is a visionary
and a unifying force for good . For twelve years she honed her craft working with A-list actors , writers and film makers in Hollywood . The experience confirmed her belief in the power of art to shape conversations and change lives .
Returning to Gilroy , she championed the arts . As co-owner of 152 West Productions , she has created documentaries , corporate and music videos , short and feature films for over 14 years . A Gilroy Arts Alliance founding member and Arts and Culture Commissioner for ten years — including four years as chair , Mattie ’ s contributions continue to help promote inclusive , multi-cultural art in south county . She ran Gilroy ’ s Downtown Music Series for ten years and became the CEO of Poppy Jasper International Film Festival ( PJIFF ) in 2017 .
Mattie quickly expanded PJIFF ’ s international status and promoted the region as a tourist destination . The 2019 Festival took place over eight days in April in five communities — Gilroy , Morgan Hill , San Martin , Hollister and San Juan Bautista , attracting film enthusiasts from around the world , and tourism dollars to local businesses and communities .
In 2020 COVID-19 shut festivals down globally , forcing PJIFF to cancel their festival just weeks before the event . With 200 films from 38 countries scheduled , Mattie shifted
the format from large indoor screenings to smaller outdoor venues . She added virtual premiers and online discussions for smaller groups , keeping PJIFF alive and relevant . Mattie saw industry leaders come together in a spirit of collaboration . “ It was an incredible experience . Competitors became colleagues . Big or small , prestigious or not , we supported each other .” She says .
Mattie constantly creates ways to improve PJIFF . Her ability to adapt and succeed comes from a passion to empower others to express themselves through film . “ Our view of the world comes from what we see in film . We need films to show the world — as it truly is .” She says . Two things Mattie loves — promoting inclusiveness and empowering women and minority artists , is how she ’ ll make it happen .
Mattie is VP , — CMAP TV , board member — Gilroy Downtown Association , director — San Benito County Chamber and Visitors Bureau , member — Santa Clara County ArtsWeb Regional Advisory Council , Independent Media and Arts Group , Western IMAG for the Sundance Film Institute and National Endowment for the Arts . When she ’ s not working , she loves gardening and spending time with her two sons , Nathan , 25 , and Jacob , 23 , her parents and sisters Sharon and Brenda .
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN WINTER 2021 gmhtoday . com