Los Angeles,– As the New Media Film Festival® (NMFF) marks its 15th year of innovation and storytelling excellence, anticipation builds for a groundbreaking event on June 5-6, 2024, in the heart of Los Angeles. A prestigious panel of judges from Marvel, HBO, PBS, BBC, Grammys, Emmys, Simon & Schuster, and Rolling Stone will give out $45,000 in awards and evaluate creator submissions from over 20 countries that explore visions of the future through AI, animation, virtual reality, iPhone cameras, drones, gaming technology and 22 other categories.

Innovation, Inclusivity, and Charity

With a diverse library featuring over 600 titles, NMFF distinguishes itself from traditional Hollywood film festivals by welcoming creators of all ages, cultures, backgrounds, and media formats.

“The New Media Film Festival® has quietly shown the world how to honor content makers from across every discipline imaginable and every ethnicity,” says Writer/Director John Carstafrphen. He adds: “As an African American filmmaker, I’ve never felt more relaxed or inspired at a film festival.”

Beyond the commitment to inclusivity, NMFF embodies social responsibility through its “We Give Back” program, supporting environmental causes, championing local artists, and charitable organizations.

NMFF’s esteemed panel of judges includes seasoned industry professionals from Marvel, HBO, PBS, BBC, ABC, Grammys, Emmys, BMI, Simon & Schuster, and Rolling Stone. This exposure and recognition unlock priceless opportunities for participants, ranging from lucrative book deals and employment prospects, to feature film funding, distribution offers, and extensive networking opportunities that extend well beyond the event.

After winning the grand prize for The Dark and Wounded series in 2017, artist James Picard went on to sell his “Apparitions” painting for over $1 million. He credits his journey back to the festival, expressing, “I am over the moon at all that has and is happening… and to think it all started at your amazing film festival!”

Over the years, the New Media Film Festival® has garnered noteworthy accolades, including: “Most Outstanding Full-Service Film & TV Production Company” (GBI Magazine, 2024), “Technology Innovator” award (Innovation in Business, 2023), and "Creative Local California Film Festival of the Year (New World Report, 2023). This year, Global 100 describes the New Media Film Festival® as the “Best Woman-Owned Film & TV Production Company,” and IE Magazine lauds Susan Johnston as one of the “Top 10 Inspiring Leaders.”

The festival is a great place to hobnob with company founders and Academy Award winning celebrities, catching exclusive world premieres. For instance, in 2022, William Shatner’s chose NMFF as the venue to debut his 2022 UFO documentary, “A Tear in the Sky.” And in 2018, Jeff Bridges participated in the New Media Film Festival® and accepted a Socially Responsible Conservationist Award for his film “Living in Futures Past.”

British film producer Nicholas Reed has praised NMFF, describing it as a “pushing-the-limits outlier that’s always looking to the future, challenging creators, the market, and the audience to discover new storytelling.” The frequently sold-out event has been praised by festivalgoers for its “best vibe ever” that “exceeds expectations.”

The 15th annual New Media Film Festival® will take place in Los Angeles CA At Look Dine in Cinemas.  Ticket prices range from $10 for online screenings to $99 for a full all-access badge. Special discount codes will be available through the festival's newsletter.

Susan Johnston expressed her excitement about the festival's evolution, stating, "At the New Media Film Festival®, we are all witness to the future at its birth—and that’s pretty damn exciting."

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.newmediafilmfestival.com.