16th New Media Film Festival is back, June 4-5 2025 bringing together visionary creators from across the globe to showcase 80 New Media Films & Tech content. 20 World -11 U.S. -18 L.A. Premieres from USA, UK, South Korea, Netherlands, Ireland, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Bulgaria, Brazil, Australia, Argentina.

Los Angeles, CA, United States, 14th May 2025 – The 16th Annual New Media Film Festival, taking place June 4-5, 2025, is set to be a spectacular celebration of innovation and storytelling. Featuring a dynamic mix of AI-generated content, thought-provoking shorts in 28 categories, and groundbreaking narratives, this year’s festival promises an eclectic and immersive experience for creators and audiences alike.

With its renowned judging panel, diverse categories, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the festival serves as a premier platform for content creators to showcase their work and engage with industry leaders. The festival’s prestigious accolades and global recognition further underscore its impact on advancing creative media and technology.

The New Media Film Festival is thrilled to welcome an exceptional lineup of industry pioneers and visionary artists, making this year’s event an unmissable celebration of cutting-edge storytelling.

Oscar Winner Jonathan Kitzen

Jonathan Kitzen is an accomplished filmmaker, producer, and director known for his innovative contributions to the film industry. He has been involved in various aspects of filmmaking, from building cameras and optics to directing and producing award-winning films. Jonathan co-produced the Academy Award-winning short documentary “The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life”. As of 2015, he became a partner in Last Studio Standing, the largest hand-drawn animation studio in the Western Hemisphere, where he leads English language development and production. Jonathan’s work spans multiple genres, including science fiction, and he continues to push the boundaries of creative storytelling.

EMMY Nominee David Ari Leon 

David Ari Leon is an award-winning and Emmy-nominated composer and music supervisor and CEO Sound Mind Music, with screen credits on hundreds of movies, television shows, and interactive projects. He earned his first screen credit working on music for a film with Danny Elfman while obtaining a B.A. in music from UCLA.

At 22, David began his professional career as the Director of Music at NBC for “Days of Our Lives,” where he selected music for nearly 1,000 episodes and placed songs by iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Supremes, and Chris Isaak. He later served as Vice President of Music at Fox for six years, supervising major titles like Power Rangers, Les Misérables, and Incredible Hulk.

David then founded Sound Mind Music, a full-service music house with clients including Marvel, Warner Brothers, Disney, Netflix, NBC/Universal, Starz, EA, and Lionsgate. He has helped create the signature sound of recognizable brands such as X-Men, Woody Woodpecker, Captain America, Peanuts, and Superman. His movie credits include music supervising titles for Marvel like Invincible Iron Man, Ultimate Avengers, and Thor: Tales of Asgard. Currently, David is working on music for the next season of Real Housewives and other TV series in development for Bravo Network.

Founder/Director, New Media Film Festival – Susan Johnston 

Susan Johnston is the Founder and Director of the New Media Film Festival, a pioneering event that celebrates the convergence of technology and storytelling. Additionally, she serves as the President of Select Services Films Inc., an award-winning film studio. Her career spans various roles, including performing, producing, and casting.

Susan’s contributions have been widely recognized. She was knighted in 2017 for her impact on the arts and humanity. Since 2010 she has been a judge for the blue-ribbon panel for the EMMYS and a SAG/AFTRA affiliate since 1990, Susan has played a significant role in shaping the entertainment industry. 

With an array of Emmy, Telly & Peabody winners as well as novices, there is a story for everyone.   Opening the festival is Meevil the Weevil, setting the tone for a celebration of cutting-edge narratives and inventive perspectives. Closing the event is My Face, a satirical music video that epitomizes the festival’s commitment to high-quality, impactful storytelling. This curated lineup underscores the festival’s dedication to providing a platform for emerging and seasoned creators alike.

Director; Kyle Arneson (Robot Chicken, Bratz, Meevil the Weevil) is a director and production designer who loves telling fantastical stories in mixed media animation.

Meevil the Weevil celebrates the charm and excitement of a bygone era: the wood-paneled, shag-carpeted, glittery magic of my youth. It was an age where daring to try was compelling enough to inspire a generation and the unknown felt endlessly explorable. The enormity of Meevil’s world and his quest to be a great stuntbug perfectly blends my passion for whimsical storytelling with my professional dedication to miniature effects, stop motion animation and mixed media storytelling. Thanks to the encouragement and enthusiasm of his coach, Olis, our sometimes-self-doubting hero finds the inner strength to achieve his goals: an echo of my relationship with my recently departed father to whom this film is dedicated. When Meevil’s big dreams intersect with reality, it often requires mustering courage, equally as big, to rise to the occasion and simply enjoy the ride. After all, it’s not about being the best, it’s about trying our best.

Director /Artist Jeff Hilliard (Frankenstein) is a multifaceted artist celebrated for his satirical music videos and creative storytelling. His ability to combine satire with compelling visuals has made him a standout figure in the world of music and film. 

My Face is a music video Powerful executive who has an interesting way to relieve stress through creative role-play. 

The music video category is showcased right before the Awards Ceremony, serving as a tribute to the energy and excitement of an opening act at a live performance.

The New Media Film Festival—an IMDb and UFFO-accredited event—stands out as a destination for creatives and industry professionals. Since its inception in 2009, the festival has remained true to its goal of discovering and cultivating highly creative work from talented content creators across the globe. It offers a unique opportunity for filmmakers to connect with executives and studios, paving the way for broader audiences and long-lasting success. www.newmediafilmfestival.com 

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