Mattie Scariot

I attribute my success to purpose. Early on, I realized that success is most meaningful when it is connected to something larger than yourself. That's why redefining the mission of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival was so important to me. Our mission is to change the way we see each other through film, while helping close the opportunity gap for women, minorities, and unrepresented voices in the industry. Having a clear purpose has helped guide every decision I've made, and has helped me stay focused through the challenges and setbacks. That word, purpose, is so important to me.

Find your purpose, and don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Growth rarely happens when we play it safe. Some of the most rewarding opportunities in my career came from saying yes before I felt completely ready, and trusting that I would learn along the way.

Find your tribe - you're not alone. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, challenge you, and genuinely want to see you succeed. Seek out mentors, professional organizations, and communities that empower women. The film industry can be intimidating, but there are many people working to create opportunities and open doors for the next generation.

One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that diverse voices are not only welcome, but given meaningful opportunities to lead and create. And at the same time, we're living in an incredible moment where technology, independent filmmaking, and community-driven storytelling are creating new pathways for artists to reach audiences. The opportunity is greater than ever for talented storytellers who are willing to innovate and build their own communities. There's a huge shift with the studio system and theaters - they're starving for content. We're trying to help indie filmmakers make their way into the theatrical distribution business and create a Western film coalition where film festivals work together to sort of create a theatrical release distribution for indie filmmakers.

Making a difference, leading with integrity, and creating opportunities for others are most important to me. I believe it is important to set an example, and to show people of all ages that it's never too late to pursue their dream, make an impact, or reinvent yourself. If my work inspires someone to take that first step, then I've succeeded. I love that women who have been working with me have learned from me and gotten their wings and flown away to do their own things. The more people can find out about us, the more we can do for the world.