July 1, 2025 • 39 mins
Mattie Scariot is proof that when you lead with passion, anything is possible. As Director of the Poppy Jasper International Film Festival, Mattie has built more than a showcase for global cinema. She has created a movement rooted in equity, creativity, and connection.
In this joyful, energizing conversation recorded during last year’s festival, Mattie shares how she grew a local event into an internationally recognized celebration of diverse voices. With over 30 countries represented, her festival has become a hub for emerging talent, bold storytelling, and genuine community where filmmakers feel truly seen, supported, and celebrated.
Don’t miss this powerful episode filled with creative vision, inclusive leadership, and unforgettable moments from a director who is changing the landscape of film one story at a time.
🎧 What You’ll Hear:
- How Mattie reimagined a film festival as a platform for global impact
- The power of accessibility and personal connection in the arts
- Stories of mentorship, community generosity, and international friendships
- Why representation on and off screen still matters and always will
- Her creative path from fashion to film and festival leadership
💬 Ask Us:
What kind of creative community do you wish existed? Tag @NRJMediaGroup or DM us.
💬 We’d love to hear how Energis Podcast has sparked your journey! Share your story with us ✨
🌐 Thank you for listening! Stay inspired. Stay bold. Stay Energis’d. Visit us at www.nrjmediagroup.com to learn more and connect with our growing community.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Norma (00:03):
Energis Podcast is brought to you by NRJ Media
Group.
Rich (00:18):
Yes, today's guest brings heart, purpose and a bit of
rebel energy to the film world.
We're talking about MattieScariot.
Even her name sounds epic.
A director, producer and thefearless leader behind the Poppy
Jasper International FilmFestival.
Norma (00:36):
We sat down with Mattie during last year's festival and
her passion was electric.
She's not just creating spacefor diverse voices, she's
protecting it.
Her festival champions emergingfilmmakers from all around the
globe and she's fiercelydedicated to equity, especially
for women and underrepresentedcreators.
Rich (00:59):
You know she really is, and you'll hear how she took a
small town festival and turnedit into a global platform, all
the while staying grounded incommunity culture with some
courage.
Norma (01:11):
Yeah, the courage was electrifying I know I know and
you'll feel her fire.
I mean she's bold, unfilteredand totally mission driven like
we.
Like we are pretty much thisone's for anyone who believes
storytelling can shape thefuture and who isn't afraid to
(01:31):
shake things up a bit to make ithappen.
Rich (01:35):
So let's jump in.
Norma (01:45):
Mattie, Mattie.
The festival just ended, notthat long ago, April.
Rich (01:49):
Which we were there.
Norma (01:50):
Which we were there.
We were a proud sponsor anddidn't someone win an Icon Award
?
Mattie Scariot (01:55):
She did, she did , didn't she, of course she did
this person sitting next to me.
Rich (01:59):
It's about time she did, who constantly reminds me the
fact that she's won an IconAward.
We're on a Zoom call and shegoes.
Norma (02:07):
I know.
Rich (02:08):
That's why I got behind me .
Norma (02:09):
It's on my, it's behind me.
I proudly.
I'm a proud recipient of theIcon Award.
Rich (02:15):
Before you ask your question.
I'll ask one question.
It's the only question.
Norma (02:19):
I get in no go ahead.
Rich (02:20):
Where did you two meet?
Mattie Scariot (02:23):
Oh, we met through the recreation
department.
Wait, sorry, I will leave it atthat.
Rich (02:34):
What recreation department ?
Mattie Scariot (02:39):
Sorry, it's a really deep inside joke.
Okay, it's funny really funny,Obviously super funny.
Norma (02:47):
Oh my God, I got red.
Mattie Scariot (02:49):
There's a brother of certain someone that
was in her life.
Rich (02:54):
Okay.
Mattie Scariot (02:55):
Said you have to meet Norma and he was talking
about all the amazing thingsshe's doing and I was like,
really I would love to meet her.
And this was right before COVID.
Rich (03:05):
Okay.
Mattie Scariot (03:06):
And I had just put my first eight-day film
festival in all five citiestogether it was 2020.
It was January, so we didn'tknow I was going to be shut down
.
Right, I meet her at Pete'sCoffee.
Yeah, that's right, it was atthe coffee shop.
And I walk in and I'm like, ohmy God, I think that's like the
(03:27):
most beautiful woman I've everseen in real life.
Like, seriously, you just looklike a rock star and I was so
excited and you gave meeverything I needed as someone
that was trying to do something.
That was crazy and I just lovethat you did your homework and
(03:48):
that you looked at our festivalguide and that you were there
for me.
You were there for me and itdoes instill and that's what
women can do for each other andmen can do for us too.
When you say, tell us that whatwe're doing is important and
you stop someone from ignoringit and you say this is important
and that's what you did for me.
(04:09):
All those things make such ahuge difference when you're
trying to do something.
That's really kind of crazy.
Norma (04:17):
Oh, Mattie, and what is that little crazy that you're
doing?
You've been up there now.
You've been fostering thefestival for how many years now?
Mattie Scariot (04:25):
Through COVID, I've been working on the
festival for how many years now?
Through COVID, I've beenworking on the festival for
eight years.
I've done five in person andone online festival.
Wow, but eight years in total.
Norma (04:37):
Eight years.
It's been your 10th year.
Mattie Scariot (04:38):
Yeah, so this didn't happen overnight and it
wasn't like I sort of looked atmy community, because I grew up
in gilroy, I had cousins inHollister and south and and
Morgan Hill.
That's Gilroy, California.
Gilroy California for those whodon't know about the garlic
capital of the world is it?
Really, it is the garliccapital of the world I'm
(05:01):
remember seeing it Everywhere wewent.
Rich (05:02):
It was pitches of garlic.
They're proud, right.
Mattie Scariot (05:04):
Yeah, yeah, Christopher Ranch, it's a local
farm that like well, I farm, Imean corporation.
But yeah, we are the garliccapital of the world.
Norma (05:16):
So, vampires beware, is that the other sub-slogan that
should be on the bottom of thebillboards.
Mattie Scariot (05:23):
And Michelin star chefs and you know whatever
.
A lot of stuff comes withgarlic and wine and you know we
have all that.
But for me, having cousins inboth cities, the whole region
was my home.
So when I got the festival itwas just in Morgan Hill and it
was dying.
That's why they gave it to me.
(05:49):
I actually really wanted to bethe director for many, many
years and I had all these ideasbecause of your film background
yeah, and your desire to be astoryteller yeah, and I I was
like a puppy.
It was like I have all theseideas and they're like that's
just not how we do things, youknow, and the pat on the hand,
and I just waited and and then Iwas like I kind of got a little
frustrated and it's like youknow what I'm gonna do, I'm
(06:11):
gonna start my own film festivalin Gilroy.
And I told the founder Bill, Iwas like you know, no hard
feelings, I'm gonna start my ownfestival, I'll still help you.
But I gotta do this because Ijust like I felt something
inside of me and he said I'llhelp you too, and no problem,
you know.
And then two weeks later he, heasked me to be the director of
(06:32):
the film festival and I saidI'll do it, but I got to add San
Martin, gilroy Hollister andSan Juan Batista oh, that was
you're doing.
That was me nice.
And he said you can do that.
And I said I'm gonna make a lotof changes.
And he said you'll can do that.
And I said I'm gonna make a lotof changes and he said you'll
be the boss.
Norma (06:47):
And.
I said, and these are allneighboring cities that are
really that right now,Mattie: two of the cities are
less than 2,000.
Mattie Scariot (06:53):
And then Gilroy's the biggest 60,000
people, and then there's about45,000 in Morgan Hill and
Hollister, so altogether it'sabout 100,000.
Rich (07:04):
Where did your interest in film come from?
Because doing what you do Imean having seen it first hand
or up front is a lot of work.
Norma (07:13):
And that was your first film festival, correct, yeah,
ever.
So it was a hell of anexperience.
Mattie Scariot (07:17):
You broke your cherry.
You really broke my cherry.
Rich (07:21):
And it hurt but it was enjoyable.
Called me up on stage.
Oh, that's right, when I, youknow, totally unprepared.
Norma (07:28):
You did great though.
Mattie Scariot (07:29):
Yeah, everyone said yeah.
Rich (07:32):
Oh well, thank you.
Mattie Scariot (07:33):
Yeah.
Rich (07:34):
Because it's obviously what you, you know.
I sense it as a calling oh yeah, what you do.
Mattie Scariot (07:40):
Well, you know, I remember when I wanted to be
in the movies, I was 10 yearsold and I didn't want to be an
actress because I didn't want tobe in front of the camera.
I was so terrified.
I had lots of learningdisabilities, add, dyslexia and
who knows what else.
I wasn't interested in being infront of the camera.
(08:00):
I was so timid and shy.
But I knew I wanted to makemovies and and I looked at a
poster and I remember asking myaunts, like what is producer,
what's the difference betweenproducer and director and all
this?
And they said they didn't know.
And I looked again and it wasall men's names.
And every time I looked at aposter was just men's names.
(08:23):
And and then I saw, oh, there'scostumer, there's makeup,
there's women there.
So that's what I focused on,that was what drove me and
that's why I got my cosmetologylicense and that's why I went to
the Fashion Institute, designedmerchandising and I got into
wardrobe and that's how I gotinto the film industry.
(08:44):
It was this idea of I alwayswanted to be the director.
I wanted that.
I have.
I felt creative and I felt likeI had vision too and I had
something to say.
But I didn't see myself thereand I remember being on a set of
a independent film and thecinematographer said, hey, I'm,
(09:06):
I'm going to go colorize thefilm.
And this is when they weredoing 35 millimeter.
And he said does anyone want togo?
And I said I want to go andhe's all oh honey, women don't
have the technological minds tounderstand the process.
This was?
What year was this?
This was in the late 80s, early90s, the 90s, and it broke my
(09:29):
heart and being timid and shyand withdrawn.
Norma (09:33):
I just okay.
Mattie Scariot (09:35):
That has a lot to do with why I am where I am
today, because I will not let a10-year-old girl ever not see
herself in that poster or infilm.
You have every right to bethere and you're capable, and
(09:55):
you taught me that too, and sothat's a pivotal moment for me
because I never forgot it.
You don't forget something likethat.
Norma (10:03):
It's like getting shot in the heart right.
It's almost a catalyst.
It actually becomes a catalyst.
Yes, and it propels you to takethe opposite and prove that
person wrong and take a pictureand send it to them.
Mattie Scariot (10:13):
And that's why I'm not an executive director of
Poppy Jasper, I'm the director.
Norma (10:17):
I'm the director.
Mattie Scariot (10:18):
What's the difference?
To me, executive means yourbusiness side.
I'm a creative side.
I'm not an intellectual, I amnot book smart, but I'm clever
as fuck yes, you are, that'swhere I'm at and that's what I
and you're really good withpeople I'm good with people.
(10:39):
You're great with people becauseI, I, there's stories in them.
Yes, that's what I see.
I see a story in every personand and I see myself, you know
the especially as women anddirectors don't look like
everyone.
You, you know there's no gender, there's no color.
Anyone has that capabilityinside of them, and that's what
(11:02):
I love, and that's what I lovedoing this, and it's why I've
continued for so many years.
Norma (11:09):
Well, you do it with so much heart, which is why, when I
found out about the festival, Iwanted to get involved as a
board member, because I've beenasked to serve other boards with
other film festivals that arevery well established.
You know there's a hierarchy,there's a box, blah, blah, blah.
But what I loved is when I metMaddie, what she puts into it
(11:31):
and then hearing from thefilmmakers themselves saying the
accessibility that she provides, that she's present, what she
does and and all.
And that's what I wanted tocome in and step in and help
those festivals, because thosefestivals really go to the.
They honor the intention andthere's heart and there's, like
the, the touching of helpingfilmmakers, because oftentimes
(11:55):
when you're to a step, whenyou're established in your
career, and you come in and helpand you don't get to have that
one-on-one face time, you're notreally helping.
You're just leveragingsomeone's names and contacts.
What really filmmakers want todo is they want the one-on-one
which.
You experienced it right whenyou were talking to some of the
filmmakers there yeah, it wasgreat and obviously, championing
(12:15):
women there.
Rich (12:16):
A lot of the people I saw were women directors, women that
starred.
I mean the short films that Isaw there or we saw together,
they were really, really good,they were believable, and it
just shows you what can be done.
It's not all about men, it'snot all about women.
It should be about peoplethat's got skill and ability.
(12:38):
That's what that's what itshould be about.
Norma (12:40):
It doesn't matter, as you said before, color, creed, race
, religion is irrelevant and theother component that, maddie,
if you could just expand, is theinternational side.
I mean, you have how manycountries were represented in
this last festival 30, 30countries, 30 countries, yeah.
Mattie Scariot (12:57):
Well, and you know, what's interesting is that
, yes, there's me, that is sortof the face of the festival.
But the gem of our festival isour communities, right, and
that's what the filmmakersreally love.
They go to festivals with1,000-seat theaters and then
they come to ours, which we have250, 300 seat theaters, but
(13:19):
they're like I feel seen, I feellike you see me, and I had one
filmmaker go I can't believe I'mtalking to the director like,
and I was like what do you mean?
But that's can happen when you,when things get too big and and
that's hard on filmmakersbecause they're indie filmmakers
and they're really trying tobreak through the crowd, and so
(13:43):
when they feel like they're seen, it makes a big difference.
And we've all been there in ourcareers whether it be film tech
, entertainment tech, whatever.
Norma (13:53):
There was always that moment in time when you were
trying to break through andyou're just busting your butt
off and someone says, well, well, come here, come here, let me
help you, or like for you,probably getting a your first
client.
You know what I?
I'm going to take you on andyou don't forget that no,
because it's that moment thatpropels you forward.
Rich (14:12):
Yeah, and it makes a big difference because, one, it
validates you and, two, it givesyou a foundation to grow on,
which is amazing.
It's important.
If you look at where yourfestival is now, you're saying
you've got 30 countries there.
It was around for a week,didn't it?
Mattie Scariot (14:30):
8 days.
Yeah, 9 actually, because nowwe have a pre-party thanks to
Ian Polston Davies.
Oh, yay, yay, giving them ashout out.
Nine actually, because now wehave a pre-party thanks to Ian
Poulsen Davies.
Oh, yay, yay, yay, I was likeGiving them a shout out yeah.
I'm a big murder mystery fan,especially British television.
Rich (14:46):
Okay so now we can talk.
Okay, now you're coming to myside of the pool, you can go now
.
Norma (14:51):
Manny and I are going to talk.
Rich (14:53):
And.
Mattie Scariot (14:53):
Ian always, you know he's in like, he's been in
over 100 television shows and hemade a film called Bowling
Shoes.
And I asked him to come and Iwas like, well, what would you
like me to do?
And I sent him this long listof things.
I just I gave it everything andI thought, and I didn't hear
from him for a month and Ithought I probably asked for too
(15:15):
much.
And then he came back saying, no, I want to go to everything.
Actually, I'm going to come theday before and I'm like oh my.
God so now I've got to have apre-party.
So now we have a pre-partybecause of Ian.
What do I do with him?
I've got to do something.
And then this year we had, Ithink, eight filmmakers from
four countries come a day earlyto go to the pre-party which is
(15:38):
at Morgan's Cove Pirateship,Lovely.
Rich (15:42):
What's the party we went to on the Friday night?
Mattie Scariot (15:45):
Was it Friday night?
That's Poppy Bash.
Poppy Bash, that was good fun.
That's very funny.
Rich (15:50):
That was good fun Watching the guys come up on stage Lyle
Randy playing guitar, and thatsong is one of my favorite songs
I remember.
Mattie Scariot (15:58):
Oh my god, they're playing it here it was
great really really good yeah,and robert barry, that's one of
his songs, his songs that hesung, and you know I remember
I've never seen randy nervousabout getting up on stage
playing guitar when he found outlyle was playing guitar with
him, and this is randy spendlove.
Norma (16:15):
yes, who's the president of music and soundtracks at
Paramount Pictures?
Mattie Scariot (16:20):
Yeah, right, yeah.
And Lyle Workman.
And Lyle Workman, who'sconsidered one of the best
guitar players in the world, Alovely man.
Rich (16:26):
I had a conversation with him and he was so wonderful to
talk to.
Norma (16:30):
Right, well, they both were and it kind of echoes Randy
too.
I mean I would love for us togo into how you guys have become
really good friends, but Ithink it goes back to the
accessibility, the kindness,almost like you're friends, and
being able to talk to thefilmmakers and I think the
message is growing that at thisfestival there are no red carpet
(16:55):
lines, there is no VIP boxes.
You actually have theopportunity which happened to us
multiple times, even at thehotel lobby, at events.
You know filmmakers will strikeup a conversation and will
happily give them comments andfeedback and guidance.
Mattie Scariot (17:11):
Well, I love that because I like bringing
people from the industry thatwant to meet the filmmakers and
they want to be mentors.
It's really important to meWhenever I get someone that's
kind of edgy and like can I getfirst class, can I do this?
And I'm like I don't know ifthis is a good fit, because
we're really trying to bring theindustry and the filmmakers
(17:31):
together to elevate it, becausethese filmmakers may not be in
the industry, but they'reincredibly talented and they
have some incredible skills andand it's really amazing when you
put those two together.
And and also, like Lyle, noone's going to give him an award
like that.
You know he may get a Grammy onan album he's worked on, which
(17:55):
is great, but him himself, andit was such a great opportunity
to award somebody who has anincredible legacy in the music
industry.
And that's what I like to do istake people that don't normally
get the spotlight and give themthe spotlight.
Rich (18:12):
So it's more grassroots.
Mattie Scariot (18:14):
It's more ethereal.
Rich (18:17):
I mean, it wasn't pretentious, you could just go
and talk to people.
I mean, look again, I it wasthe first time I'd been and not
having the experience and notknowing, I'm like, you're right,
you can look at a producer ordirector they're you and I that
you wouldn't know, but you don'tknow what they're like either,
what their personalities arelike, and everyone we spoke when
we sat down with the threeladies Suki, kat and the older
(18:41):
lady with the bird.
Norma (18:42):
Zoe, zoe.
Mattie Scariot (18:44):
Yes.
Director of programming forMill Valley.
Norma (18:47):
Yeah, and she's another legend Amazing.
Mattie Scariot (18:50):
When I first got the film festival, I said I
need to look for somebody I canlook up to.
I found this article that waswritten about her, and she has
been with um Mill Valley forover 30 years.
I just like I want to be her.
She she created Mind the Gap,she's done so many amazing
things for women and just beingat a festival that is, as you
(19:15):
know, elevated as Mill, I waslike I want to be her and I
remember showing up to an eventin LA and seeing her it was my
first year as a festivaldirector and just being scared
to death.
It was very down to earth, veryeasy to talk to Well yeah, and a
lot of these women you know katis forbes, 30 under 30.
(19:39):
Both kat and suki areambassadors to the united
nations.
Like, these women are amazingand you wouldn't know that, and
they're so generous with theirtime and kind.
I didn't expect them to come tothe best like when I was
putting together the women'spanel.
I sort of had my eye on themLike God, I would love to have
(20:01):
them on the women's panel, itwould be great, it would work
really well.
And so when they said they werecoming, I was like, oh, do you
want to be on the women's panel?
Rich (20:11):
And also Tizzy Tizzy Green .
Oh, tizzy has Legend.
Mattie Scariot (20:15):
Don't even get me started, yeah don't get me
started.
Rich (20:17):
Go, go, go.
Mattie Scariot (20:18):
Because we're here to talk about Maddie.
Well, tizzy is like you know.
You'll meet Joan tomorrow.
Joan introduced Tizzy and I atthis tech summit and she's like
you guys should get to know eachother.
And you know, sometimes youjust meet that person, yes,
other.
And you know, sometimes youjust meet that person, yes, and
(20:40):
all of a sudden it's like I feltlike I've known her my whole
life and it was just this likesoul, soulmate thing that
happened.
And then I saw her film and Ithought it was like one of the
most amazing films I've seen ina long time.
And you know, since I'vestarted I've watched thousands
of films and just so moved byher story.
She's just everything and thenhas such an incredibly
(21:04):
successful life.
So she's been a gift.
Rich (21:07):
I love her little entourage as well.
Norma (21:09):
Oh yeah they're all really good friends and I think
that trust becomes a veryimportant component to your
success, and you have tosurround yourself by like-minded
people, but the trust factor isthe gold right there and I'm
sure you've experienced it intrying to grow, obviously in
growing the Poppy.
Mattie Scariot (21:29):
Jasper International Film Festival
yourself, Because success canbring out that green monster and
that green monster can bereally mean.
Rich (21:38):
I would say probably in this industry.
Maybe I'm talking out of turn,but that green monster appears
more often than it doesn't.
Yes, it what it appears moreoften than it doesn't.
Mattie Scariot (21:47):
Yes, and with people you never saw it coming.
Oh yeah, the first thing theywould say like, oh my, I can't
believe it.
I, you know, like they.
Just you know the first thingthey would say like oh my, I
can't believe.
I just want to be a part ofthis festival and I just want to
help you and all this stuff.
And then they go shooing andthey flip and you're like, wait
a second, I thought this.
You know it's a yeah, thatgreen monster is ugly.
(22:08):
And you know what I've learned?
Because sometimes when you'redoing an all-volunteer or
nonprofit, like I'm doing,you're like, oh, this person's
doing so much for me, but I'mgetting all this negativity.
And I've learned very quicklywhat I'm capable of without the
negativity, like the negativitywill take more from me than
(22:30):
their production does.
So it's been a learningexperience because I'm like a
kumbaya everybody get together,let's all work together and and
I've I have a hard time withconfrontations.
I just I just believe in peopleand you're there for me.
So you know like it's beenreally hard learning experience.
(22:51):
But I've also learned that onceyou let go of that negativity,
you get more positivity comingtowards you.
Like it, it's, it's you, butyou get rid of that.
You then you open yourself upfor something better correct.
Rich (23:07):
Negativity is like an overdraft once you're in it it's
very, very hard to get out ofit it is.
Norma (23:10):
It is and it's super toxic too.
That's the thing thing.
It will kill in a creativeenvironment that needs to
survive with out of the boxthinking and innovation and
growth.
If negativity is there, forgetabout it.
Mattie Scariot (23:25):
It will kill it, it will make you stagnant and
hurt potentially the good brandthat you're trying to develop
and write yourself which you'veworked really hard on developing
a name for Poppy Jasper and theone thing about you know being
a shy person and you know havingso many learning disabilities.
(23:48):
The thing about the filmfestival was, when I got the
festival, it I was standing on apurpose.
There was a purpose, so itwasn't about me.
It's about something biggerthan me.
So then I was able to talk, I'mable to talk and able to speak
(24:08):
about it, because it's not aboutme.
It's about change, andespecially that 10 year old girl
that I'm protective of her.
So when that negativity comes in, it's easier for me.
It's about change, andespecially that 10 year old girl
that I'm protective of her.
So when that negativity comesin, it's easier for me to say no
, because this is my baby andyou're not going to mess with it
.
It's gotten easier once I'vegotten to that understanding of
(24:31):
like, yeah, I understand this isbig and it is big for the
region that we're in.
This is crazy, and it's crazywhat we've accomplished, what
you've accomplished youspearheading this?
Rich (24:45):
Yeah, it draws it to where it is today.
Yes, you can't do it on yourown.
I accept that?
No, of course not, butsomeone's got to lead you, let
it.
Norma (24:58):
And it takes a lot of courage, god knows, because
people will sign up, for I cando this task and will easily
complain like, well, this thingwould be 10 times better if this
happens and that happens.
Oh yeah, Let me see you do it.
Then take a leadership position, drive it.
Oh no, no, no, I don't want todo that Right?
I mean, god, I know that.
(25:19):
I know the hours you work,maddie, and you give.
That's why I was saying at thebeginning of this podcast she
gives her heart and soul to thisand that's like the purest form
, very similar to whatfilmmakers do when they're
creating.
When they have this vision of astory, they give their heart
and soul to it.
So I think it's like thisyou're speaking the same
language as a filmmaker Wellyeah, and I am a filmmaker.
Mattie Scariot (25:44):
So I built this festival for filmmakers because
I am a filmmaker, I have a filmproduction company and I know
what it feels like to get thatletter where you're told you're
not getting in.
Yeah, that's where the heartcomes in.
And then having filmmakers comefrom different parts of the
world, like to Morgan Hill andHalstead and San Juan Bautista,
(26:08):
it's like that they come for thegarlic.
It's crazy.
It's a crazy feeling, you know,especially because we had a
garlic festival that had over100,000 people come in a weekend
and it was the, it waseverybody, everybody was talking
about it.
It was the festival.
It's where all of us sort of itwas our reunion, it was so much
(26:28):
to us, it was a friend.
And after the shooting, youknow, and we lost it, it was so
heartbreaking.
Do you know that there was ashooting?
Norma (26:36):
there.
Rich (26:37):
No.
Norma (26:38):
Yeah, you want to tell them.
We'll just really quickly,sorry, you know what?
Rich (26:40):
you were talking about film.
When you saw my shooting I wason.
Oh, I was talking about sorryfilm shooting, sorry at the
garland festival.
Mattie Scariot (26:47):
We had somebody as the festival's closing on the
last day a shooter and hekilled three people a six year
old, a 13 year old and a 26 yearold random yes, just I mean I,
I was there.
Oh, you were there.
I was there, okay, I heardthere's a fight.
And then I looked and peoplewere running and I heard the
(27:09):
gunfire and I was like that'snot a fight.
And then I thought this isGilroy, there's no way.
And because the Garlic Festivalwas so well organized, they had
with that, had you know,microphones sure and they were
here.
We were hearing everything atthe same time it was happening
and it was.
It was gunfire and luckilythere were so many police that
(27:33):
were already there.
They were able to take him outin 30, less than 30 seconds.
But that fear and the weirdthing and I think you feel it
when you get in a car accidentand you feel it when you get
robbed that vulnerability andlike this is happening here this
is killing.
Norma (27:52):
This is the garlic festival.
This is like in central valley.
This is where families can befamily.
This doesn't happen here?
Rich (27:59):
do you have to hide within you?
Mattie Scariot (28:00):
there was no reason really, his parents had
gotten divorced.
Rich (28:02):
He was angry, but what?
Mattie Scariot (28:02):
hate do you have to have within you to do that?
There was no reason really.
His parents had gotten divorced.
He was angry, he blamed it onthe cost of living, and it was
he had.
Rich (28:12):
How do you justify shooting a six-year-old or a
13-year-old?
Mattie Scariot (28:16):
Because he snapped and this is it's called
it's mental illness.
This is not somebody that'snormal.
This is somebody that snappedand didn't have control over his
emotions and you know, it wasreally sad and the hardest part
was after that.
They thought there was a secondshooter and so the 30 seconds
(28:39):
was hard enough, but those twohours after trying to figure out
where to go, it changedeverything for me.
It changed everything for thecommunity of Gilroy, because the
garlic festival is so belovedand it defined us.
It made us special, yeah, whenit put the city on the map, so
(29:01):
to speak.
Norma (29:01):
It put us on the map it made us special Garlic ice cream
.
Rich (29:05):
It was actually really good.
There was garlic ice cream,there's garlic kisses, it's
taffy Okay.
Norma (29:12):
Look at the face you're making.
You don't like garlic?
Not so much, but it's fun.
Mattie Scariot (29:19):
It was fun, but yeah.
So there's this painful part,this painful thing that happened
but, interestingly enough, andthen COVID happened.
But then Poppy Jastrow and Iwas in 2000.
That was 2019.
2018, I started the festival2019, we had a very successful
(29:39):
festival 2019, in the summer,garlic festival happened, and
then covid and all that.
But what's been interesting isis that we I live in communities
that are full of people whogive back.
We have over 200 non-profits inmorgan hill, gil and Hollister
(30:02):
and then San Martín.
It's a community of givingbecause the Garlic Festival was
all about giving back to thecommunity.
So we grew up learning thatthat's in our DNA.
It's about giving back and theGarlic Festival made money for
(30:23):
everyone, not just in Gilroy,but Hollister.
Norma (30:26):
You've got 100,000 people coming in.
They can spend money and peopleget to know it.
Mattie Scariot (30:32):
When we lost that it was crazy, but Poppy
Jasper is sort of revitalizing.
The one thing that is in ourmission is economic vitality.
We stay in the downtowns of allthe businesses.
Rich (30:47):
Absolutely right.
If more communities were likethat in the world, it would be a
far, far better place.
Mattie Scariot (30:53):
Well, I think that's what the filmmakers are
seeing is that you're coming tothese communities that are used
to giving back.
I had one filmmaker fromEngland who came with his
partner, ernesto Olivares, whois a leader in our community.
He picked them up at theairport in San Francisco and he
was taking them around and hewould pick them up in the
(31:13):
morning and then they had to gosomewhere.
He goes I have to do this, I'lltake you with me and then I'll
take you to where you need to go.
And he stopped, stopped and hegoes.
You know what?
Just take the car, seriously.
Just take the car.
Here are the keys.
Norma (31:30):
Take the car and Max was like this guy just gave me his
car.
Mattie Scariot (31:35):
He just gave me his car.
Norma (31:37):
You know, but that's another filmmaker.
Mattie Scariot (31:40):
I've had like five people.
Tell me, if you ever come back,you can stay with me.
Norma (31:44):
Oh my God, You've housed filmmakers, friends.
I have housed a lot of them.
Mattie Scariot (31:48):
They've stayed at the.
My mom's friend, Linda yes, shehad the Italian.
You remember Gabe Mm-hmm, gabeFabbro.
He came and he's a handsome guy, handsome young man man, along
with his executive producer andstar, stayed with her.
They made her an Italian dinnerthat she'll never forget.
And so she tells me if you haveany more Italians.
Norma (32:13):
House of Italians.
Rich (32:14):
Italian filmmakers right here you obviously had a lot of
joy as well from the puppetJasper.
I'm living a dream that'samazing.
Norma (32:20):
You're helping so many filmmakers too.
You've had a lot of joy as wellfrom the public.
Jasper, you can see it in hereyes yes it's.
Mattie Scariot (32:23):
I'm living a dream.
That's amazing, living a dream.
Norma (32:26):
Well, you're helping so many filmmakers too, I mean
especially with this stage, whenthey're starting.
Yeah, you never know right andyou have somebody who believes
genuinely believes in you yesand it's giving you a, an award
or acknowledgement or anopportunity to speak on a panel
or showcase your work.
That's like gold.
Mattie Scariot (32:46):
And it was the filmmaker that nominated us for
the 25 coolest film.
Norma (32:50):
That's right, because you just got an award for that.
Yeah, thank you.
Rich (32:55):
It's been lovely listening to you.
Now we've got two things.
Come next To your right, behindyour bottle a bit, are some
cards.
You're just exposed for poison,okay.
Norma (33:04):
To your right, behind your bottle a bit, are some
cards.
Okay, you're just exposed forpoison.
Rich (33:06):
I just did that's okay.
Sorry, no listen.
We used to have whiskey here.
Mattie Scariot (33:10):
I wouldn't be able to talk after that.
Rich (33:11):
That's right.
Mattie Scariot (33:12):
I need a good whiskey, it's a little strong
for me, but that's okay.
Rich (33:15):
So those cards are thought-provoking, quite deep
questions.
So if you wouldn't mind, pickone out, anyone, anyone, read
the question out, if you don'tmind answering it, and then
Norma and I will answer it aswell.
Mattie Scariot (33:25):
Okay, I'm going to take purple.
It's my favorite color.
Rich (33:29):
Norma likes purple.
You like purple, don't?
Mattie Scariot (33:31):
you, I'm going to have to put my glasses on.
Norma (33:34):
I love purple, which teacher had the biggest impact
on you oh.
Mattie Scariot (33:40):
I love that car, you know, because I had a
learning disability and I reallythought I was stupid.
Rich (33:47):
You did Maddie.
Mattie Scariot (33:50):
Yeah, of course, because you know this was back
when they didn't.
Rich (33:54):
Dyslexia didn't have a name.
Mattie Scariot (33:56):
ADD didn't have a name and I had to stay back in
the fifth grade because Ididn't pass, so that was even
more humiliating.
It's really humiliating to haveto stay back at 10 years old.
Rich (34:14):
Yeah, that's tough it was boy crazy.
Mattie Scariot (34:17):
It was like oh, I heard you flunked.
Norma (34:20):
It was excruciatingly painful.
That's not something you wantfollowing on your playground and
so like it was excruciatinglypainful.
Mattie Scariot (34:24):
And so you know, I, like I said, I'm clever, I
can make, I can fake my waythrough a lot of stuff.
But when I got to high school Imet Carol Peters, who was an
art teacher Apparently I'm anartist and she encouraged me and
changed the way I thought ofmyself.
And I remember doing a posterfor a poster contest and I won
(34:48):
and I and I got first place acouple of times and then I also
got asked to be senior editor ofthe yearbook and we got second
place in the nation for ouryearbook.
And so Carol really changedthat for me, because she made me
see that I had another abilitythat I didn't even know I had.
Rich (35:09):
Well, if you think about it, what you do is you create
and artists create.
Norma (35:12):
So it's very much in keeping with what's….
And you don't forget people whodo that.
No Ever ever.
Rich (35:18):
Norma.
Norma (35:20):
Sister Carl.
So I went to Catholic school inSouth Gate, California and
sister Carl, she was that onenun that started the choir.
I was in the choir but she hadthis unbelievable positive
energy at st Helens elementaryschool and I loved it.
She made you feel like you werea million dollars every time
(35:43):
you walked into her classroomand, oddly enough, a lot of the
other nuns would like scold her.
They said she had to like bringdown her sunshine and she would
Sounds like Sister Mary Clarenceand she and I saw them and she
would, like you know, bring itdown when they were in the room.
But then she would go back toherself and I thought, oh, she's
(36:06):
, she's not, she's not, she'sstill being herself.
And she gave me so muchinspiration and she was the
first one who told me you'respecial, there's something in
you, he's like, there's a sparkin you.
Don't let anyone take it away.
Because she realized that I hadwitnessed this fifth grade
teacher.
She was like none.
(36:26):
She was very scary, was alwaysscolding her for being too much
for our elementary school.
Yeah, lovely.
Rich (36:36):
I didn't like school.
I couldn't wait to leave it.
So I think there's no teacherthat stands out in my mind at
school.
But I think lessons that I'velearned over the years has been
someone I train with, um, who'staught me various things over
the years in terms of defense,about how to look after yourself
(36:59):
, and I've taken a lot out ofthat because I've really enjoyed
it because it's been an ongoinglesson.
It's helped me grow as a person.
It's helped me become.
He's helped me through a lotwhen I was going through a lot
physically.
So that, I would say, is whereI've learned the most, because
school for me, school and medidn't get on.
Mattie Scariot (37:20):
I'm right there with you.
Rich (37:23):
So I get that, but yeah, so that's how I went on to that.
Norma (37:26):
And then, Mattie, there's one other question we like to
ask our guests, and only becauseof time but what advice?
This is kind of your open micfor listeners that are there
listening and are trying tofigure their way out, and maybe
they're tuning in because theyheard that you spearheaded a
film festival.
What advice do you have forthem?
Mattie Scariot (37:45):
Don't be afraid to step out your side of your
comfort zone.
It's so important and it can bescary, but it's really
important.
It's sort of like you go into agym and you lift those small
weights and then you getstronger and stronger and you
lift the bigger weights.
Really build your muscle,muscle that inner strength, and
(38:07):
surround yourself with peoplewho believe in you and and then
step outside.
You know, I think risk is oneof the biggest components of
success, right?
Yeah?
Norma (38:22):
thank you, Mattie, thank you for your time.
Rich (38:24):
Thank you very much for coming in.
I really agree with what you'vejust said.
Norma (38:28):
And there was so much more I wanted you to share, but
we'll have you back.
Rich (38:32):
Yes, definitely.
Norma (38:33):
Okay, thank you very much .
Thank you for tuning in toEnergis Podcast, where ambition
meets achievement.
If today's stories energized,you share this episode with
someone who needs that spark.
Stay connected, subscribe toour newsletter at
nrjmediagroupcom and follow uson social media for more
(38:58):
powerful insights Until nexttime.
Insights Until next time.
Stay inspired, stay bold andkeep striving for greatness
director is none other thanDavid H Tanaka.
Rich (39:10):
Our talented music composer is Steve Devaney.
Our devotion to motion graphicdesigner is Mike Macklin.
(39:32):
Our very spirited technicaladvisor is Tracy Williams.
Our amazing marketing manager,Lauren Carter.
Our man of many words publicistis Josh Gershman.
And introducing our producer'sassistant, Blake Miele.
Energis Podcast is brought toyou by NRJ Media Group.
Energis Podcast is brought to you by NRJ Media
Group.
Rich (00:18):
Yes, today's guest brings heart, purpose and a bit of
rebel energy to the film world.
We're talking about MattieScariot.
Even her name sounds epic.
A director, producer and thefearless leader behind the Poppy
Jasper International FilmFestival.
Norma (00:36):
We sat down with Mattie during last year's festival and
her passion was electric.
She's not just creating spacefor diverse voices, she's
protecting it.
Her festival champions emergingfilmmakers from all around the
globe and she's fiercelydedicated to equity, especially
for women and underrepresentedcreators.
Rich (00:59):
You know she really is, and you'll hear how she took a
small town festival and turnedit into a global platform, all
the while staying grounded incommunity culture with some
courage.
Norma (01:11):
Yeah, the courage was electrifying I know I know and
you'll feel her fire.
I mean she's bold, unfilteredand totally mission driven like
we.
Like we are pretty much thisone's for anyone who believes
storytelling can shape thefuture and who isn't afraid to
(01:31):
shake things up a bit to make ithappen.
Rich (01:35):
So let's jump in.
Norma (01:45):
Mattie, Mattie.
The festival just ended, notthat long ago, April.
Rich (01:49):
Which we were there.
Norma (01:50):
Which we were there.
We were a proud sponsor anddidn't someone win an Icon Award
?
Mattie Scariot (01:55):
She did, she did , didn't she, of course she did
this person sitting next to me.
Rich (01:59):
It's about time she did, who constantly reminds me the
fact that she's won an IconAward.
We're on a Zoom call and shegoes.
Norma (02:07):
I know.
Rich (02:08):
That's why I got behind me .
Norma (02:09):
It's on my, it's behind me.
I proudly.
I'm a proud recipient of theIcon Award.
Rich (02:15):
Before you ask your question.
I'll ask one question.
It's the only question.
Norma (02:19):
I get in no go ahead.
Rich (02:20):
Where did you two meet?
Mattie Scariot (02:23):
Oh, we met through the recreation
department.
Wait, sorry, I will leave it atthat.
Rich (02:34):
What recreation department ?
Mattie Scariot (02:39):
Sorry, it's a really deep inside joke.
Okay, it's funny really funny,Obviously super funny.
Norma (02:47):
Oh my God, I got red.
Mattie Scariot (02:49):
There's a brother of certain someone that
was in her life.
Rich (02:54):
Okay.
Mattie Scariot (02:55):
Said you have to meet Norma and he was talking
about all the amazing thingsshe's doing and I was like,
really I would love to meet her.
And this was right before COVID.
Rich (03:05):
Okay.
Mattie Scariot (03:06):
And I had just put my first eight-day film
festival in all five citiestogether it was 2020.
It was January, so we didn'tknow I was going to be shut down
.
Right, I meet her at Pete'sCoffee.
Yeah, that's right, it was atthe coffee shop.
And I walk in and I'm like, ohmy God, I think that's like the
(03:27):
most beautiful woman I've everseen in real life.
Like, seriously, you just looklike a rock star and I was so
excited and you gave meeverything I needed as someone
that was trying to do something.
That was crazy and I just lovethat you did your homework and
(03:48):
that you looked at our festivalguide and that you were there
for me.
You were there for me and itdoes instill and that's what
women can do for each other andmen can do for us too.
When you say, tell us that whatwe're doing is important and
you stop someone from ignoringit and you say this is important
and that's what you did for me.
(04:09):
All those things make such ahuge difference when you're
trying to do something.
That's really kind of crazy.
Norma (04:17):
Oh, Mattie, and what is that little crazy that you're
doing?
You've been up there now.
You've been fostering thefestival for how many years now?
Mattie Scariot (04:25):
Through COVID, I've been working on the
festival for how many years now?
Through COVID, I've beenworking on the festival for
eight years.
I've done five in person andone online festival.
Wow, but eight years in total.
Norma (04:37):
Eight years.
It's been your 10th year.
Mattie Scariot (04:38):
Yeah, so this didn't happen overnight and it
wasn't like I sort of looked atmy community, because I grew up
in gilroy, I had cousins inHollister and south and and
Morgan Hill.
That's Gilroy, California.
Gilroy California for those whodon't know about the garlic
capital of the world is it?
Really, it is the garliccapital of the world I'm
(05:01):
remember seeing it Everywhere wewent.
Rich (05:02):
It was pitches of garlic.
They're proud, right.
Mattie Scariot (05:04):
Yeah, yeah, Christopher Ranch, it's a local
farm that like well, I farm, Imean corporation.
But yeah, we are the garliccapital of the world.
Norma (05:16):
So, vampires beware, is that the other sub-slogan that
should be on the bottom of thebillboards.
Mattie Scariot (05:23):
And Michelin star chefs and you know whatever
.
A lot of stuff comes withgarlic and wine and you know we
have all that.
But for me, having cousins inboth cities, the whole region
was my home.
So when I got the festival itwas just in Morgan Hill and it
was dying.
That's why they gave it to me.
(05:49):
I actually really wanted to bethe director for many, many
years and I had all these ideasbecause of your film background
yeah, and your desire to be astoryteller yeah, and I I was
like a puppy.
It was like I have all theseideas and they're like that's
just not how we do things, youknow, and the pat on the hand,
and I just waited and and then Iwas like I kind of got a little
frustrated and it's like youknow what I'm gonna do, I'm
(06:11):
gonna start my own film festivalin Gilroy.
And I told the founder Bill, Iwas like you know, no hard
feelings, I'm gonna start my ownfestival, I'll still help you.
But I gotta do this because Ijust like I felt something
inside of me and he said I'llhelp you too, and no problem,
you know.
And then two weeks later he, heasked me to be the director of
(06:32):
the film festival and I saidI'll do it, but I got to add San
Martin, gilroy Hollister andSan Juan Batista oh, that was
you're doing.
That was me nice.
And he said you can do that.
And I said I'm gonna make a lotof changes.
And he said you'll can do that.
And I said I'm gonna make a lotof changes and he said you'll
be the boss.
Norma (06:47):
And.
I said, and these are allneighboring cities that are
really that right now,Mattie: two of the cities are
less than 2,000.
Mattie Scariot (06:53):
And then Gilroy's the biggest 60,000
people, and then there's about45,000 in Morgan Hill and
Hollister, so altogether it'sabout 100,000.
Rich (07:04):
Where did your interest in film come from?
Because doing what you do Imean having seen it first hand
or up front is a lot of work.
Norma (07:13):
And that was your first film festival, correct, yeah,
ever.
So it was a hell of anexperience.
Mattie Scariot (07:17):
You broke your cherry.
You really broke my cherry.
Rich (07:21):
And it hurt but it was enjoyable.
Called me up on stage.
Oh, that's right, when I, youknow, totally unprepared.
Norma (07:28):
You did great though.
Mattie Scariot (07:29):
Yeah, everyone said yeah.
Rich (07:32):
Oh well, thank you.
Mattie Scariot (07:33):
Yeah.
Rich (07:34):
Because it's obviously what you, you know.
I sense it as a calling oh yeah, what you do.
Mattie Scariot (07:40):
Well, you know, I remember when I wanted to be
in the movies, I was 10 yearsold and I didn't want to be an
actress because I didn't want tobe in front of the camera.
I was so terrified.
I had lots of learningdisabilities, add, dyslexia and
who knows what else.
I wasn't interested in being infront of the camera.
(08:00):
I was so timid and shy.
But I knew I wanted to makemovies and and I looked at a
poster and I remember asking myaunts, like what is producer,
what's the difference betweenproducer and director and all
this?
And they said they didn't know.
And I looked again and it wasall men's names.
And every time I looked at aposter was just men's names.
(08:23):
And and then I saw, oh, there'scostumer, there's makeup,
there's women there.
So that's what I focused on,that was what drove me and
that's why I got my cosmetologylicense and that's why I went to
the Fashion Institute, designedmerchandising and I got into
wardrobe and that's how I gotinto the film industry.
(08:44):
It was this idea of I alwayswanted to be the director.
I wanted that.
I have.
I felt creative and I felt likeI had vision too and I had
something to say.
But I didn't see myself thereand I remember being on a set of
a independent film and thecinematographer said, hey, I'm,
(09:06):
I'm going to go colorize thefilm.
And this is when they weredoing 35 millimeter.
And he said does anyone want togo?
And I said I want to go andhe's all oh honey, women don't
have the technological minds tounderstand the process.
This was?
What year was this?
This was in the late 80s, early90s, the 90s, and it broke my
(09:29):
heart and being timid and shyand withdrawn.
Norma (09:33):
I just okay.
Mattie Scariot (09:35):
That has a lot to do with why I am where I am
today, because I will not let a10-year-old girl ever not see
herself in that poster or infilm.
You have every right to bethere and you're capable, and
(09:55):
you taught me that too, and sothat's a pivotal moment for me
because I never forgot it.
You don't forget something likethat.
Norma (10:03):
It's like getting shot in the heart right.
It's almost a catalyst.
It actually becomes a catalyst.
Yes, and it propels you to takethe opposite and prove that
person wrong and take a pictureand send it to them.
Mattie Scariot (10:13):
And that's why I'm not an executive director of
Poppy Jasper, I'm the director.
Norma (10:17):
I'm the director.
Mattie Scariot (10:18):
What's the difference?
To me, executive means yourbusiness side.
I'm a creative side.
I'm not an intellectual, I amnot book smart, but I'm clever
as fuck yes, you are, that'swhere I'm at and that's what I
and you're really good withpeople I'm good with people.
(10:39):
You're great with people becauseI, I, there's stories in them.
Yes, that's what I see.
I see a story in every personand and I see myself, you know
the especially as women anddirectors don't look like
everyone.
You, you know there's no gender, there's no color.
Anyone has that capabilityinside of them, and that's what
(11:02):
I love, and that's what I lovedoing this, and it's why I've
continued for so many years.
Norma (11:09):
Well, you do it with so much heart, which is why, when I
found out about the festival, Iwanted to get involved as a
board member, because I've beenasked to serve other boards with
other film festivals that arevery well established.
You know there's a hierarchy,there's a box, blah, blah, blah.
But what I loved is when I metMaddie, what she puts into it
(11:31):
and then hearing from thefilmmakers themselves saying the
accessibility that she provides, that she's present, what she
does and and all.
And that's what I wanted tocome in and step in and help
those festivals, because thosefestivals really go to the.
They honor the intention andthere's heart and there's, like
the, the touching of helpingfilmmakers, because oftentimes
(11:55):
when you're to a step, whenyou're established in your
career, and you come in and helpand you don't get to have that
one-on-one face time, you're notreally helping.
You're just leveragingsomeone's names and contacts.
What really filmmakers want todo is they want the one-on-one
which.
You experienced it right whenyou were talking to some of the
filmmakers there yeah, it wasgreat and obviously, championing
(12:15):
women there.
Rich (12:16):
A lot of the people I saw were women directors, women that
starred.
I mean the short films that Isaw there or we saw together,
they were really, really good,they were believable, and it
just shows you what can be done.
It's not all about men, it'snot all about women.
It should be about peoplethat's got skill and ability.
(12:38):
That's what that's what itshould be about.
Norma (12:40):
It doesn't matter, as you said before, color, creed, race
, religion is irrelevant and theother component that, maddie,
if you could just expand, is theinternational side.
I mean, you have how manycountries were represented in
this last festival 30, 30countries, 30 countries, yeah.
Mattie Scariot (12:57):
Well, and you know, what's interesting is that
, yes, there's me, that is sortof the face of the festival.
But the gem of our festival isour communities, right, and
that's what the filmmakersreally love.
They go to festivals with1,000-seat theaters and then
they come to ours, which we have250, 300 seat theaters, but
(13:19):
they're like I feel seen, I feellike you see me, and I had one
filmmaker go I can't believe I'mtalking to the director like,
and I was like what do you mean?
But that's can happen when you,when things get too big and and
that's hard on filmmakersbecause they're indie filmmakers
and they're really trying tobreak through the crowd, and so
(13:43):
when they feel like they're seen, it makes a big difference.
And we've all been there in ourcareers whether it be film tech
, entertainment tech, whatever.
Norma (13:53):
There was always that moment in time when you were
trying to break through andyou're just busting your butt
off and someone says, well, well, come here, come here, let me
help you, or like for you,probably getting a your first
client.
You know what I?
I'm going to take you on andyou don't forget that no,
because it's that moment thatpropels you forward.
Rich (14:12):
Yeah, and it makes a big difference because, one, it
validates you and, two, it givesyou a foundation to grow on,
which is amazing.
It's important.
If you look at where yourfestival is now, you're saying
you've got 30 countries there.
It was around for a week,didn't it?
Mattie Scariot (14:30):
8 days.
Yeah, 9 actually, because nowwe have a pre-party thanks to
Ian Polston Davies.
Oh, yay, yay, giving them ashout out.
Nine actually, because now wehave a pre-party thanks to Ian
Poulsen Davies.
Oh, yay, yay, yay, I was likeGiving them a shout out yeah.
I'm a big murder mystery fan,especially British television.
Rich (14:46):
Okay so now we can talk.
Okay, now you're coming to myside of the pool, you can go now
.
Norma (14:51):
Manny and I are going to talk.
Rich (14:53):
And.
Mattie Scariot (14:53):
Ian always, you know he's in like, he's been in
over 100 television shows and hemade a film called Bowling
Shoes.
And I asked him to come and Iwas like, well, what would you
like me to do?
And I sent him this long listof things.
I just I gave it everything andI thought, and I didn't hear
from him for a month and Ithought I probably asked for too
(15:15):
much.
And then he came back saying, no, I want to go to everything.
Actually, I'm going to come theday before and I'm like oh my.
God so now I've got to have apre-party.
So now we have a pre-partybecause of Ian.
What do I do with him?
I've got to do something.
And then this year we had, Ithink, eight filmmakers from
four countries come a day earlyto go to the pre-party which is
(15:38):
at Morgan's Cove Pirateship,Lovely.
Rich (15:42):
What's the party we went to on the Friday night?
Mattie Scariot (15:45):
Was it Friday night?
That's Poppy Bash.
Poppy Bash, that was good fun.
That's very funny.
Rich (15:50):
That was good fun Watching the guys come up on stage Lyle
Randy playing guitar, and thatsong is one of my favorite songs
I remember.
Mattie Scariot (15:58):
Oh my god, they're playing it here it was
great really really good yeah,and robert barry, that's one of
his songs, his songs that hesung, and you know I remember
I've never seen randy nervousabout getting up on stage
playing guitar when he found outlyle was playing guitar with
him, and this is randy spendlove.
Norma (16:15):
yes, who's the president of music and soundtracks at
Paramount Pictures?
Mattie Scariot (16:20):
Yeah, right, yeah.
And Lyle Workman.
And Lyle Workman, who'sconsidered one of the best
guitar players in the world, Alovely man.
Rich (16:26):
I had a conversation with him and he was so wonderful to
talk to.
Norma (16:30):
Right, well, they both were and it kind of echoes Randy
too.
I mean I would love for us togo into how you guys have become
really good friends, but Ithink it goes back to the
accessibility, the kindness,almost like you're friends, and
being able to talk to thefilmmakers and I think the
message is growing that at thisfestival there are no red carpet
(16:55):
lines, there is no VIP boxes.
You actually have theopportunity which happened to us
multiple times, even at thehotel lobby, at events.
You know filmmakers will strikeup a conversation and will
happily give them comments andfeedback and guidance.
Mattie Scariot (17:11):
Well, I love that because I like bringing
people from the industry thatwant to meet the filmmakers and
they want to be mentors.
It's really important to meWhenever I get someone that's
kind of edgy and like can I getfirst class, can I do this?
And I'm like I don't know ifthis is a good fit, because
we're really trying to bring theindustry and the filmmakers
(17:31):
together to elevate it, becausethese filmmakers may not be in
the industry, but they'reincredibly talented and they
have some incredible skills andand it's really amazing when you
put those two together.
And and also, like Lyle, noone's going to give him an award
like that.
You know he may get a Grammy onan album he's worked on, which
(17:55):
is great, but him himself, andit was such a great opportunity
to award somebody who has anincredible legacy in the music
industry.
And that's what I like to do istake people that don't normally
get the spotlight and give themthe spotlight.
Rich (18:12):
So it's more grassroots.
Mattie Scariot (18:14):
It's more ethereal.
Rich (18:17):
I mean, it wasn't pretentious, you could just go
and talk to people.
I mean, look again, I it wasthe first time I'd been and not
having the experience and notknowing, I'm like, you're right,
you can look at a producer ordirector they're you and I that
you wouldn't know, but you don'tknow what they're like either,
what their personalities arelike, and everyone we spoke when
we sat down with the threeladies Suki, kat and the older
(18:41):
lady with the bird.
Norma (18:42):
Zoe, zoe.
Mattie Scariot (18:44):
Yes.
Director of programming forMill Valley.
Norma (18:47):
Yeah, and she's another legend Amazing.
Mattie Scariot (18:50):
When I first got the film festival, I said I
need to look for somebody I canlook up to.
I found this article that waswritten about her, and she has
been with um Mill Valley forover 30 years.
I just like I want to be her.
She she created Mind the Gap,she's done so many amazing
things for women and just beingat a festival that is, as you
(19:15):
know, elevated as Mill, I waslike I want to be her and I
remember showing up to an eventin LA and seeing her it was my
first year as a festivaldirector and just being scared
to death.
It was very down to earth, veryeasy to talk to Well yeah, and a
lot of these women you know katis forbes, 30 under 30.
(19:39):
Both kat and suki areambassadors to the united
nations.
Like, these women are amazingand you wouldn't know that, and
they're so generous with theirtime and kind.
I didn't expect them to come tothe best like when I was
putting together the women'spanel.
I sort of had my eye on themLike God, I would love to have
(20:01):
them on the women's panel, itwould be great, it would work
really well.
And so when they said they werecoming, I was like, oh, do you
want to be on the women's panel?
Rich (20:11):
And also Tizzy Tizzy Green .
Oh, tizzy has Legend.
Mattie Scariot (20:15):
Don't even get me started, yeah don't get me
started.
Rich (20:17):
Go, go, go.
Mattie Scariot (20:18):
Because we're here to talk about Maddie.
Well, tizzy is like you know.
You'll meet Joan tomorrow.
Joan introduced Tizzy and I atthis tech summit and she's like
you guys should get to know eachother.
And you know, sometimes youjust meet that person, yes,
other.
And you know, sometimes youjust meet that person, yes, and
(20:40):
all of a sudden it's like I feltlike I've known her my whole
life and it was just this likesoul, soulmate thing that
happened.
And then I saw her film and Ithought it was like one of the
most amazing films I've seen ina long time.
And you know, since I'vestarted I've watched thousands
of films and just so moved byher story.
She's just everything and thenhas such an incredibly
(21:04):
successful life.
So she's been a gift.
Rich (21:07):
I love her little entourage as well.
Norma (21:09):
Oh yeah they're all really good friends and I think
that trust becomes a veryimportant component to your
success, and you have tosurround yourself by like-minded
people, but the trust factor isthe gold right there and I'm
sure you've experienced it intrying to grow, obviously in
growing the Poppy.
Mattie Scariot (21:29):
Jasper International Film Festival
yourself, Because success canbring out that green monster and
that green monster can bereally mean.
Rich (21:38):
I would say probably in this industry.
Maybe I'm talking out of turn,but that green monster appears
more often than it doesn't.
Yes, it what it appears moreoften than it doesn't.
Mattie Scariot (21:47):
Yes, and with people you never saw it coming.
Oh yeah, the first thing theywould say like, oh my, I can't
believe it.
I, you know, like they.
Just you know the first thingthey would say like oh my, I
can't believe.
I just want to be a part ofthis festival and I just want to
help you and all this stuff.
And then they go shooing andthey flip and you're like, wait
a second, I thought this.
You know it's a yeah, thatgreen monster is ugly.
(22:08):
And you know what I've learned?
Because sometimes when you'redoing an all-volunteer or
nonprofit, like I'm doing,you're like, oh, this person's
doing so much for me, but I'mgetting all this negativity.
And I've learned very quicklywhat I'm capable of without the
negativity, like the negativitywill take more from me than
(22:30):
their production does.
So it's been a learningexperience because I'm like a
kumbaya everybody get together,let's all work together and and
I've I have a hard time withconfrontations.
I just I just believe in peopleand you're there for me.
So you know like it's beenreally hard learning experience.
(22:51):
But I've also learned that onceyou let go of that negativity,
you get more positivity comingtowards you.
Like it, it's, it's you, butyou get rid of that.
You then you open yourself upfor something better correct.
Rich (23:07):
Negativity is like an overdraft once you're in it it's
very, very hard to get out ofit it is.
Norma (23:10):
It is and it's super toxic too.
That's the thing thing.
It will kill in a creativeenvironment that needs to
survive with out of the boxthinking and innovation and
growth.
If negativity is there, forgetabout it.
Mattie Scariot (23:25):
It will kill it, it will make you stagnant and
hurt potentially the good brandthat you're trying to develop
and write yourself which you'veworked really hard on developing
a name for Poppy Jasper and theone thing about you know being
a shy person and you know havingso many learning disabilities.
(23:48):
The thing about the filmfestival was, when I got the
festival, it I was standing on apurpose.
There was a purpose, so itwasn't about me.
It's about something biggerthan me.
So then I was able to talk, I'mable to talk and able to speak
(24:08):
about it, because it's not aboutme.
It's about change, andespecially that 10 year old girl
that I'm protective of her.
So when that negativity comes in, it's easier for me.
It's about change, andespecially that 10 year old girl
that I'm protective of her.
So when that negativity comesin, it's easier for me to say no
, because this is my baby andyou're not going to mess with it
.
It's gotten easier once I'vegotten to that understanding of
(24:31):
like, yeah, I understand this isbig and it is big for the
region that we're in.
This is crazy, and it's crazywhat we've accomplished, what
you've accomplished youspearheading this?
Rich (24:45):
Yeah, it draws it to where it is today.
Yes, you can't do it on yourown.
I accept that?
No, of course not, butsomeone's got to lead you, let
it.
Norma (24:58):
And it takes a lot of courage, god knows, because
people will sign up, for I cando this task and will easily
complain like, well, this thingwould be 10 times better if this
happens and that happens.
Oh yeah, Let me see you do it.
Then take a leadership position, drive it.
Oh no, no, no, I don't want todo that Right?
I mean, god, I know that.
(25:19):
I know the hours you work,maddie, and you give.
That's why I was saying at thebeginning of this podcast she
gives her heart and soul to thisand that's like the purest form
, very similar to whatfilmmakers do when they're
creating.
When they have this vision of astory, they give their heart
and soul to it.
So I think it's like thisyou're speaking the same
language as a filmmaker Wellyeah, and I am a filmmaker.
Mattie Scariot (25:44):
So I built this festival for filmmakers because
I am a filmmaker, I have a filmproduction company and I know
what it feels like to get thatletter where you're told you're
not getting in.
Yeah, that's where the heartcomes in.
And then having filmmakers comefrom different parts of the
world, like to Morgan Hill andHalstead and San Juan Bautista,
(26:08):
it's like that they come for thegarlic.
It's crazy.
It's a crazy feeling, you know,especially because we had a
garlic festival that had over100,000 people come in a weekend
and it was the, it waseverybody, everybody was talking
about it.
It was the festival.
It's where all of us sort of itwas our reunion, it was so much
(26:28):
to us, it was a friend.
And after the shooting, youknow, and we lost it, it was so
heartbreaking.
Do you know that there was ashooting?
Norma (26:36):
there.
Rich (26:37):
No.
Norma (26:38):
Yeah, you want to tell them.
We'll just really quickly,sorry, you know what?
Rich (26:40):
you were talking about film.
When you saw my shooting I wason.
Oh, I was talking about sorryfilm shooting, sorry at the
garland festival.
Mattie Scariot (26:47):
We had somebody as the festival's closing on the
last day a shooter and hekilled three people a six year
old, a 13 year old and a 26 yearold random yes, just I mean I,
I was there.
Oh, you were there.
I was there, okay, I heardthere's a fight.
And then I looked and peoplewere running and I heard the
(27:09):
gunfire and I was like that'snot a fight.
And then I thought this isGilroy, there's no way.
And because the Garlic Festivalwas so well organized, they had
with that, had you know,microphones sure and they were
here.
We were hearing everything atthe same time it was happening
and it was.
It was gunfire and luckilythere were so many police that
(27:33):
were already there.
They were able to take him outin 30, less than 30 seconds.
But that fear and the weirdthing and I think you feel it
when you get in a car accidentand you feel it when you get
robbed that vulnerability andlike this is happening here this
is killing.
Norma (27:52):
This is the garlic festival.
This is like in central valley.
This is where families can befamily.
This doesn't happen here?
Rich (27:59):
do you have to hide within you?
Mattie Scariot (28:00):
there was no reason really, his parents had
gotten divorced.
Rich (28:02):
He was angry, but what?
Mattie Scariot (28:02):
hate do you have to have within you to do that?
There was no reason really.
His parents had gotten divorced.
He was angry, he blamed it onthe cost of living, and it was
he had.
Rich (28:12):
How do you justify shooting a six-year-old or a
13-year-old?
Mattie Scariot (28:16):
Because he snapped and this is it's called
it's mental illness.
This is not somebody that'snormal.
This is somebody that snappedand didn't have control over his
emotions and you know, it wasreally sad and the hardest part
was after that.
They thought there was a secondshooter and so the 30 seconds
(28:39):
was hard enough, but those twohours after trying to figure out
where to go, it changedeverything for me.
It changed everything for thecommunity of Gilroy, because the
garlic festival is so belovedand it defined us.
It made us special, yeah, whenit put the city on the map, so
(29:01):
to speak.
Norma (29:01):
It put us on the map it made us special Garlic ice cream
.
Rich (29:05):
It was actually really good.
There was garlic ice cream,there's garlic kisses, it's
taffy Okay.
Norma (29:12):
Look at the face you're making.
You don't like garlic?
Not so much, but it's fun.
Mattie Scariot (29:19):
It was fun, but yeah.
So there's this painful part,this painful thing that happened
but, interestingly enough, andthen COVID happened.
But then Poppy Jastrow and Iwas in 2000.
That was 2019.
2018, I started the festival2019, we had a very successful
(29:39):
festival 2019, in the summer,garlic festival happened, and
then covid and all that.
But what's been interesting isis that we I live in communities
that are full of people whogive back.
We have over 200 non-profits inmorgan hill, gil and Hollister
(30:02):
and then San Martín.
It's a community of givingbecause the Garlic Festival was
all about giving back to thecommunity.
So we grew up learning thatthat's in our DNA.
It's about giving back and theGarlic Festival made money for
(30:23):
everyone, not just in Gilroy,but Hollister.
Norma (30:26):
You've got 100,000 people coming in.
They can spend money and peopleget to know it.
Mattie Scariot (30:32):
When we lost that it was crazy, but Poppy
Jasper is sort of revitalizing.
The one thing that is in ourmission is economic vitality.
We stay in the downtowns of allthe businesses.
Rich (30:47):
Absolutely right.
If more communities were likethat in the world, it would be a
far, far better place.
Mattie Scariot (30:53):
Well, I think that's what the filmmakers are
seeing is that you're coming tothese communities that are used
to giving back.
I had one filmmaker fromEngland who came with his
partner, ernesto Olivares, whois a leader in our community.
He picked them up at theairport in San Francisco and he
was taking them around and hewould pick them up in the
(31:13):
morning and then they had to gosomewhere.
He goes I have to do this, I'lltake you with me and then I'll
take you to where you need to go.
And he stopped, stopped and hegoes.
You know what?
Just take the car, seriously.
Just take the car.
Here are the keys.
Norma (31:30):
Take the car and Max was like this guy just gave me his
car.
Mattie Scariot (31:35):
He just gave me his car.
Norma (31:37):
You know, but that's another filmmaker.
Mattie Scariot (31:40):
I've had like five people.
Tell me, if you ever come back,you can stay with me.
Norma (31:44):
Oh my God, You've housed filmmakers, friends.
I have housed a lot of them.
Mattie Scariot (31:48):
They've stayed at the.
My mom's friend, Linda yes, shehad the Italian.
You remember Gabe Mm-hmm, gabeFabbro.
He came and he's a handsome guy, handsome young man man, along
with his executive producer andstar, stayed with her.
They made her an Italian dinnerthat she'll never forget.
And so she tells me if you haveany more Italians.
Norma (32:13):
House of Italians.
Rich (32:14):
Italian filmmakers right here you obviously had a lot of
joy as well from the puppetJasper.
I'm living a dream that'samazing.
Norma (32:20):
You're helping so many filmmakers too.
You've had a lot of joy as wellfrom the public.
Jasper, you can see it in hereyes yes it's.
Mattie Scariot (32:23):
I'm living a dream.
That's amazing, living a dream.
Norma (32:26):
Well, you're helping so many filmmakers too, I mean
especially with this stage, whenthey're starting.
Yeah, you never know right andyou have somebody who believes
genuinely believes in you yesand it's giving you a, an award
or acknowledgement or anopportunity to speak on a panel
or showcase your work.
That's like gold.
Mattie Scariot (32:46):
And it was the filmmaker that nominated us for
the 25 coolest film.
Norma (32:50):
That's right, because you just got an award for that.
Yeah, thank you.
Rich (32:55):
It's been lovely listening to you.
Now we've got two things.
Come next To your right, behindyour bottle a bit, are some
cards.
You're just exposed for poison,okay.
Norma (33:04):
To your right, behind your bottle a bit, are some
cards.
Okay, you're just exposed forpoison.
Rich (33:06):
I just did that's okay.
Sorry, no listen.
We used to have whiskey here.
Mattie Scariot (33:10):
I wouldn't be able to talk after that.
Rich (33:11):
That's right.
Mattie Scariot (33:12):
I need a good whiskey, it's a little strong
for me, but that's okay.
Rich (33:15):
So those cards are thought-provoking, quite deep
questions.
So if you wouldn't mind, pickone out, anyone, anyone, read
the question out, if you don'tmind answering it, and then
Norma and I will answer it aswell.
Mattie Scariot (33:25):
Okay, I'm going to take purple.
It's my favorite color.
Rich (33:29):
Norma likes purple.
You like purple, don't?
Mattie Scariot (33:31):
you, I'm going to have to put my glasses on.
Norma (33:34):
I love purple, which teacher had the biggest impact
on you oh.
Mattie Scariot (33:40):
I love that car, you know, because I had a
learning disability and I reallythought I was stupid.
Rich (33:47):
You did Maddie.
Mattie Scariot (33:50):
Yeah, of course, because you know this was back
when they didn't.
Rich (33:54):
Dyslexia didn't have a name.
Mattie Scariot (33:56):
ADD didn't have a name and I had to stay back in
the fifth grade because Ididn't pass, so that was even
more humiliating.
It's really humiliating to haveto stay back at 10 years old.
Rich (34:14):
Yeah, that's tough it was boy crazy.
Mattie Scariot (34:17):
It was like oh, I heard you flunked.
Norma (34:20):
It was excruciatingly painful.
That's not something you wantfollowing on your playground and
so like it was excruciatinglypainful.
Mattie Scariot (34:24):
And so you know, I, like I said, I'm clever, I
can make, I can fake my waythrough a lot of stuff.
But when I got to high school Imet Carol Peters, who was an
art teacher Apparently I'm anartist and she encouraged me and
changed the way I thought ofmyself.
And I remember doing a posterfor a poster contest and I won
(34:48):
and I and I got first place acouple of times and then I also
got asked to be senior editor ofthe yearbook and we got second
place in the nation for ouryearbook.
And so Carol really changedthat for me, because she made me
see that I had another abilitythat I didn't even know I had.
Rich (35:09):
Well, if you think about it, what you do is you create
and artists create.
Norma (35:12):
So it's very much in keeping with what's….
And you don't forget people whodo that.
No Ever ever.
Rich (35:18):
Norma.
Norma (35:20):
Sister Carl.
So I went to Catholic school inSouth Gate, California and
sister Carl, she was that onenun that started the choir.
I was in the choir but she hadthis unbelievable positive
energy at st Helens elementaryschool and I loved it.
She made you feel like you werea million dollars every time
(35:43):
you walked into her classroomand, oddly enough, a lot of the
other nuns would like scold her.
They said she had to like bringdown her sunshine and she would
Sounds like Sister Mary Clarenceand she and I saw them and she
would, like you know, bring itdown when they were in the room.
But then she would go back toherself and I thought, oh, she's
(36:06):
, she's not, she's not, she'sstill being herself.
And she gave me so muchinspiration and she was the
first one who told me you'respecial, there's something in
you, he's like, there's a sparkin you.
Don't let anyone take it away.
Because she realized that I hadwitnessed this fifth grade
teacher.
She was like none.
(36:26):
She was very scary, was alwaysscolding her for being too much
for our elementary school.
Yeah, lovely.
Rich (36:36):
I didn't like school.
I couldn't wait to leave it.
So I think there's no teacherthat stands out in my mind at
school.
But I think lessons that I'velearned over the years has been
someone I train with, um, who'staught me various things over
the years in terms of defense,about how to look after yourself
(36:59):
, and I've taken a lot out ofthat because I've really enjoyed
it because it's been an ongoinglesson.
It's helped me grow as a person.
It's helped me become.
He's helped me through a lotwhen I was going through a lot
physically.
So that, I would say, is whereI've learned the most, because
school for me, school and medidn't get on.
Mattie Scariot (37:20):
I'm right there with you.
Rich (37:23):
So I get that, but yeah, so that's how I went on to that.
Norma (37:26):
And then, Mattie, there's one other question we like to
ask our guests, and only becauseof time but what advice?
This is kind of your open micfor listeners that are there
listening and are trying tofigure their way out, and maybe
they're tuning in because theyheard that you spearheaded a
film festival.
What advice do you have forthem?
Mattie Scariot (37:45):
Don't be afraid to step out your side of your
comfort zone.
It's so important and it can bescary, but it's really
important.
It's sort of like you go into agym and you lift those small
weights and then you getstronger and stronger and you
lift the bigger weights.
Really build your muscle,muscle that inner strength, and
(38:07):
surround yourself with peoplewho believe in you and and then
step outside.
You know, I think risk is oneof the biggest components of
success, right?
Yeah?
Norma (38:22):
thank you, Mattie, thank you for your time.
Rich (38:24):
Thank you very much for coming in.
I really agree with what you'vejust said.
Norma (38:28):
And there was so much more I wanted you to share, but
we'll have you back.
Rich (38:32):
Yes, definitely.
Norma (38:33):
Okay, thank you very much .
Thank you for tuning in toEnergis Podcast, where ambition
meets achievement.
If today's stories energized,you share this episode with
someone who needs that spark.
Stay connected, subscribe toour newsletter at
nrjmediagroupcom and follow uson social media for more
(38:58):
powerful insights Until nexttime.
Insights Until next time.
Stay inspired, stay bold andkeep striving for greatness
director is none other thanDavid H Tanaka.
Rich (39:10):
Our talented music composer is Steve Devaney.
Our devotion to motion graphicdesigner is Mike Macklin.
(39:32):
Our very spirited technicaladvisor is Tracy Williams.
Our amazing marketing manager,Lauren Carter.
Our man of many words publicistis Josh Gershman.
And introducing our producer'sassistant, Blake Miele.
Energis Podcast is brought toyou by NRJ Media Group.
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