Filmmakers Making A Social Impact: Why & How Susan Johnston Of The New Media Film Festival Is…

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Filmmakers Making A Social Impact: Why & How Susan Johnston Of The New Media Film Festival Is Helping To Change Our World

People may not realize the power they have in their watching a film in its entirety and writing a GOOD review. Algorithms know that most people write negative reviews. So, one good review really has more weight. Do it today!

As a part of our series about “Filmmakers Making A Social Impact” I had the pleasure of interviewing Susan Johnston, Founder/Director of the New Media Film Festival® . New Media Film Festival is a story & technology festival for all ages, all cultures, all media.

Thank you so much for doing this interview with us Susan! Before we dive in, our readers would love to get to know you a bit. Can you share a bit of the “backstory” about your film festival?

The content creators that submit to our festival are from all over the globe, they inspire us with their storytelling. We are delighted to be able to share some of them with you today.

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

I had dinner with someone in regards to an animation we were grass roots raising money to help a volunteer fire company which consisted of a truck, buckets and people in the forest. The man said to me, do you really think you will save the forests from burning. I said no, to which he expected a yes. I said, but I will raise enough for at least one bucket and that will help the firefighters and give hope and raises a villages spirit.

Which people in history inspire you the most? Why?

Cleopatra — not the supposed killing of her family part. But her ability to utilize her intelligence and charm to bring a principal civilization together.

Let’s now shift to the main focus of our interview, how are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting social impact causes you are working on right now?

Oh goodie. Let’s talk about creators.

Australian student, Michael Kenny created Red Earth, an animation about a monster born from the climate crisis rains down the fires of hell upon an innocent wallaby. Here is his class project made right before the breakout of Australian wildfires that hit International Press. So, he was conscious before this was mainstream.

Betsy L. Ross, Helping addiction. Looking for David, Part mystery, part love story, and part societal critique, Looking for David follows a mother/filmmaker as she probes the whys and how after finding her son dead.

Looking For David

Natural Healing — a documentary by Josh & Rebecca Tickell, with Deepak Chopra, Mariel Hemingway & Amy Smart

Watch The Earthing Movie Online | Vimeo On Demand

Director, Jad Andari, Shot through the eyes of a native who returns to rediscover images from his childhood, Stove takes the form of a visual poem, journeying through and examining the spirit of rural Mount Lebanon and the people who live there.

Stove

Hartley Wolf, communicates about masculinity, for better understanding relationships, community. 5 countries 7 barbershops 14 barbers and 20 clients. We have been around the world asking the question: ‘What is masculinity? A documentary to discuss modern masculinity, the role of the barbershop and the unique position our barbers have in our lives.

More Than A Haircut

These are just some of the creators that continue to create for good, we have others here .

Stream

Are there three things that individuals, society or the government can do to support you in this effort?

People may not realize the power they have in their watching a film in its entirety and writing a GOOD review. Algorithms know that most people write negative reviews. So, one good review really has more weight. Do it today!

If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?

If you are thirsty, you need water. If you are hungry, you need food. If you like being healthy, you need clean air to breathe. All of these are part of environment including you.

We are very blessed that many other Social Impact Heroes read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, whom you would like to collaborate with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂

Oh yes, the Prime Minister of New Zealand. Funny, smart, listens, communicates, implements.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Yoda, there is not try, do. It is just great advice, talk all you want about something, but, if you take one step in the direction of doing, you are doing and not talking. 😊

How can our readers follow you online?

This was great, thank you so much for sharing your story and doing this with us. We wish you continued success!

THANK YOU

Filmmakers Making A Social Impact: Why & How Susan Johnston Of The New Media Film Festival Is… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.