ACLU “Forced Pregnancy”

Samantha Scaffidi

Samantha Scaffidi is a writer and director, deft in both the production and creative sides of the craft with a background as an actress and producer. Her driving passion is telling hard-hitting, raw, stories, which she has pursued in the form of short films, music videos, commercials and PSAs.  She has previously worked with top brands such as Google, Dior, and Netflix, as well as musicians such as Princess Goes to the Butterfly Museum and Oh Pep!.  Samantha’s greatest strength as a director lies in her innate ability to tell a story in a straightforward, powerful, yet effortless fashion.

Samantha wrote and directed the PSA “Wait” in partnership with The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) to help bring attention and a sense of urgency to the plight and obstacles facing survivors of sexual assault. Samantha brought a personal account and a quiet yet searingly powerful truth to the film in its fight for care and justice. She went on to direct the film’s sequel, “Walk,” an equally haunting piece exploring the fear and violence surrounding transgender survivors of sexual assault. 

Most recently, Samantha directed a powerful film for ACLU, highlighting her penchant for impactful performances and using her passion for powerful storytelling to bring a timely awareness to an urgent cause. 

Scaffidi received countless accolades and awards for “Wait” most notably the Gold Screen YDA for Charity Commercial and recognition at AICP for Best New Director and other categories including Performance, PSA, while winning for Sound Design.  Additional shortlists include shots Awards Charity/PSA Campaign of the Year.