Middleburg Film Festival
October 16, 2025
Community isn’t just a place—it’s a purpose.
From transforming a quiet Virginia town into a global destination for storytelling to celebrating the people behind the camera, the Middleburg Film Festival shows how art can unite, heal, and inspire.
Recorded live in Washington, D.C. at The Ned NoMad, this special Coffee with Ken conversation features Sheila C. Johnson—Founder of the Middleburg Film Festival and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts—and Susan Koch, Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker and Executive Director of the festival. With guest host Ernie Jarvis stepping in while Ken welcomed his fourth child, Parker, the conversation shines a light on the festival’s mission to make creativity a force for connection.
Together, they explore how film, music, and community intersect to create meaningful dialogue, support emerging artists, and celebrate the diversity of human experience.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
The Power of Place
How a small Virginia town became a national hub for storytelling and artistic collaboration.
Art as a Unifier
Why Sheila Johnson believes creativity bridges divides and builds trust across communities.
The Unsung Heroes of Film
Composers, costume designers, and craftspeople—the behind-the-scenes talent that brings stories to life.
Women Leading the Way
How the festival celebrates women’s contributions across film, music, and culinary arts.
Community and Accessibility
From student filmmaker programs to volunteer opportunities, how the festival keeps its doors open to all.
Keeping It Intimate
Balancing growth with authenticity to preserve what makes the Middleburg Film Festival truly special.
Why This Conversation Matters
The arts don’t just entertain—they connect. By fostering empathy, conversation, and creativity, the Middleburg Film Festival shows how cultural leadership can strengthen communities and inspire the next generation of storytellers.
About the Guests
Sheila C. Johnson is the Founder of the Middleburg Film Festival and CEO of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. A pioneering entrepreneur, philanthropist, and co-founder of BET, she has dedicated her career to advancing the arts, education, and community development.
Susan Koch is an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning filmmaker and Executive Director of the Middleburg Film Festival. Her documentaries have screened at major festivals including Sundance and Tribeca, and she continues to champion diverse voices and stories that spark dialogue.