Curt Johnson is an Academy Award–winning producer, director, and writer whose storytelling blends bold creativity with thought–provoking social commentary. His journey into film began in college, where his passion for activism led him to join ACT-UP and intern with the producers of the Oscar-winning documentary Common Threads: Stories From the Quilt. That early experience ignited his commitment to telling powerful, socially relevant stories through documentary filmmaking.

In 1995, Johnson launched New World, Inc., a public relations firm specializing in entertainment and movie premieres. While promoting high-profile projects, he immersed himself in New York City’s independent film scene, gaining hands-on experience in every aspect of production.

Eager to merge his skills as a producer and writer, Johnson founded Indie Genius Productions. His debut project, Thoth, earned the 2002 Academy Award for Best Documentary Short Subject. He followed this success with the acclaimed and controversial feature MMHA, praised by critics and earning “Two Thumbs Up” from Ebert & Roeper.

Johnson’s fearless approach to filmmaking continued with Your Mommy Kills Animals, a hard-hitting documentary he produced, wrote, and directed. The film earned multiple awards and theatrical distribution worldwide. In parallel, he served as creative editor for Showtime’s powerful documentary American Drug War, which has won numerous awards and remains in rotation on the network.

Currently, Johnson is developing two ambitious new projects: Sunrise, a visually stunning, culturally rich Native American–themed film, and an untitled documentary addressing the urgent mental health crisis in rural America.

From groundbreaking short films to globally recognized documentaries, Curt Johnson continues to craft stories that challenge perspectives, stir emotions, and leave a lasting impact.