The USC School of Architecture, USC School of Cinematic Arts, and North East Production,
invite you and a guest to attend

Where We Goin’?
Power of Place: A Multimedia Experience

Two short films celebrating excellence,
belonging, and Black brilliance

7:00 P.M. on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025

The Ray Stark Family Theatre, SCA 108
George Lucas Building, USC School of Cinematic Arts Complex
900 W. 34th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007

FREE ADMISSION. OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. NO RSVPs ARE REQUIRED.
FOOD AND DRINKS ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE AUDITORIUM.

Get ready for something bold, beautiful, and deeply resonant. The Power of Place Roadshow isn’t your average film screening — it’s an experience. It’s culture. It’s community. It’s a celebration of excellence, belonging, and Black brilliance.

We will screen two powerful short films. Join us after the films for a talk with the director.
 

About the Films

DEAR YOUNG BLACK PORTLAND (7 min.)

A visual letter from Ms. Sharon Gary-Smith, a beloved elder and former NAACP Portland President. Filmed by Devin Boss, and produced by Zoe Piliafas, this raw, deeply personal letter to the next generation, finds Gary-Smith the story of her family having their home stolen by the city through eminent domain as a child, and despite the loss continuing to chart new horizons in the sacred march for justice. Ms. Sharon refuses the role of gatekeeper. She opens doors to leaders of all ages because as she says - “she was once the one, who wanted to burn it all down.” She’s a fountain of wisdom, and her letter, penned with the help of award-winning writer Donovan Scribes, is not just a letter, but a rallying cry for all who demand a better future.

WHERE WE GOIN?: THE POWER OF PLACE (28 min.)

Devin Boss is on a quest. And he wants you to join him as he explores this simple question: Where We Goin’? A millennial Black filmmaker and artist raised in the heart of the whitest city in America: Portland, OR, Boss ventures out to uncover the deeper truths that have shaped not just his city — but his very identity. Boss invites us all along for the ride as he explores the work of Black creatives, cultural stewards and changemakers - past and present - snatching the narratives back, about community resilience and innovation as he examines his roots, to dream of what’s next for him, and all the future ancestors. 

This episode finds Boss linking with multidisciplinary artist Intisar Abioto of Memphis, TN to discuss her groundbreaking curation of 69 Pacific Northwest creatives from the Diaspora at Oregon’s largest museum. Abioto and Boss also explore the artists’ Herculean 2022 effort to purchase the home of Portland NAACP co-founder, and all around badass Beatrice Morrow Cannady. The pair then connect with the folks powering the largest restorative re-development effort in the country, Albina Vision, as they rebuild the gentrifying epicenter of Portland’s vibrant Black community.

Produced by Devin Boss, Zoe Piliafas, Donovan Scribes, and Elizabeth Stock.

https://www.instagram.com/wwgfilm/
https://northeastprod.com/pop

Check-In & Reservations

The USC School of Cinematic Arts operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.

This screening is free of charge and open to the public. NO RSVPs ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS EVENT. Doors will open at 6:30 P.M.

Accessibility Needs

Individuals with disabilities who need accommodations to attend this event may contact Alessandro Ago, Assistant Dean, Programming and Special Events, at aago@cinema.usc.edu or 213-740-2330. It is requested that individuals requiring accommodations or auxiliary aids such as sign language interpreters and alternative format materials notify us at least seven days prior to the event. Every reasonable effort will be made to provide reasonable accommodations in an effective and timely manner.

Parking

On-campus parking at the University of Southern California is limited. We recommend buying a day pass for the Royal Street Structure, located at the intersection of Royal Street and W. Jefferson Blvd. Parking passes are $20/car. For more information about parking at USC, please visit USC Transportation Website:

https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/daily-and-hourly-parking/
https://transnet.usc.edu/index.php/about-us/entrance-hours/

Contact Information

Name: Alessandro Ago
Email: aago@cinema.usc.edu