In 2017, Susan Johnston, founder of the New Media Film Festival, was knighted in Rome for her profound contributions to arts and humanity, an honor typically reserved for long-established cultural figures. Her knighting in 2017, reported by Voyage LA Magazine and PR Underground, highlighted her significant impact on independent cinema and digital storytelling. Johnston's work with the New Media Film Festival, established in 2009, helped democratize film access for emerging creators.
While new media often operates outside traditional structures, its most ardent champion received a highly traditional, prestigious honor. The tension between new media operating outside traditional structures and its champion receiving a traditional honor reveals an unexpected embrace of digital innovation by established institutions.
The recognition of figures like Johnston suggests a growing mainstream acceptance and validation of innovative, independent content creation, potentially paving the way for more diverse voices to gain prominence. Her knighting in 2017 validated the New Media Film Festival's role in democratizing film, proving radical industry shifts eventually gain establishment recognition.
- Susan Johnston founded the New Media Film Festival® in Los Angeles in 2009, according to Voyage LA Magazine.
- Johnston was knighted in Rome in 2017 for contributions to arts and humanity, PR Underground reported.
- The New Media Film Festival is internationally recognized, with a library exceeding 600 titles, Voyage LA Magazine stated.
- Johnston's company ranks in the top 95% of content suppliers for distribution, according to Voyage LA Magazine.
- She has served as VP Production for Big Vision Studios since 2008, CanvasRebel Magazine noted.
- Johnston also worked as production/casting manager for Select Services Films Inc. CanvasRebel Magazine reported.
A Global Platform for New Voices
The New Media Film Festival, established in 2009 and in its 12th year in 2017, achieved international recognition under Susan Johnston's leadership, according to CanvasRebel Magazine. The festival maintains a library of over 600 titles, Voyage LA Magazine reported. The festival's extensive reach and content volume (over 600 titles) prove its quantifiable force in global content distribution.
Johnston's company ranks in the top 95% of content suppliers for distribution, Voyage LA Magazine stated. She also served as VP Production for Big Vision Studios since 2008 and as production/casting manager for Select Services Films Inc. CanvasRebel Magazine noted. Johnston's dual roles, spanning both 'new media' and traditional film production, show her ability to bridge established industry structures with emerging platforms. This approach, rather than solely operating as an outsider, amplified her impact on democratizing film.
Validating Disruptive Innovation
Susan Johnston's knighting, occurring just eight years after founding the New Media Film Festival, indicates a critical shift. Traditional institutions, like the Roman knighthood, now validate and integrate disruptive digital arts rather than resisting them. This swift acceptance challenges notions of slow adoption for innovative cultural movements.
Johnston's dual career, leading a 'new media' festival while holding executive roles in traditional film production, reveals how true industry disruption often comes from within. Individuals who bridge the old and new, like Johnston, drive change more effectively than those operating solely from outside. Her influence on independent filmmaking stems from navigating both established and emerging platforms.
The festival's international recognition and Johnston's company ranking in the top 95% of content suppliers prove that 'new media' is no longer a niche concept. It has become a significant force in global content distribution and artistic recognition. The broader societal acknowledgment of 'new media' as a significant force legitimizes digital, independent film as impactful cultural contributions.
What is the New Media Film Festival?
The New Media Film Festival is an internationally recognized event founded by Susan Johnston in Los Angeles in 2009. It showcases innovative content, maintaining a library of over 600 titles, according to Voyage LA Magazine. The festival provides a platform for emerging creators and diverse storytelling formats.
Who is Susan Johnston?
Susan Johnston is the founder of the New Media Film Festival and a knighted figure recognized for her contributions to arts and humanity in 2017. She also holds executive positions in traditional film, serving as VP Production for Big Vision Studios since 2008, CanvasRebel Magazine reported. Her career bridges established and innovative media landscapes.
What are the key achievements of the New Media Film Festival?
The New Media Film Festival has gained international recognition and built a library of over 600 unique titles, Voyage LA Magazine stated. Johnston's company, associated with the festival, ranks in the top 95% of content suppliers for distribution. The festival's 2026 season has already announced its first round of official selections, according to 24-7pressrelease.
