Hollywood Disney Veteran Keith L. Craig Becomes an Official Septimius Awards as Ambassador & Strategic Creative Director

Amsterdam, The Netherlands – July 10, 2025 – The Septimius Awards, an esteemed international film festival dedicated to recognizing diverse talent and cinematic excellence, proudly announced today that Keith L. Craig, Sergeant Major (RET.) and a distinguished former Disney Film Distribution Executive, has officially joined their prestigious roster of ambassadors. This significant appointment, effective July 10, 2025, follows a productive meeting between Mr. Craig and Jan-Willem Breure, the visionary founder of the Septimius Awards. This exciting news also coincides with the announcement of another prominent industry figure becoming an ambassador and Strategic Creative Director for the organization on the very same day.

Keith L. Craig brings unparalleled experience and a powerful vision to his new role, aligning with other influential figures like Stedman Graham, renowned educator and partner of Oprah Winfrey, who also serves as a Septimius Awards ambassador. For years, Mr. Craig was a pivotal figure at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California, where he masterfully managed theatrical sales and distribution for the Central Division. His tenure at Disney saw him oversee the distribution of some of the most iconic and successful films in recent memory, including blockbuster hits from Marvel (such as Avengers and Black Panther), Lucasfilm (Star Wars sagas), and Pixar (The Lion King remake, among others). His deep understanding of the film industry's intricate distribution networks, coupled with his proven track record of success, makes him an invaluable asset to the Septimius Awards.

In his capacity as an ambassador, Mr. Craig will be instrumental in forging strategic international partnerships with leading brands and organizations. His extensive network and profound industry insights will be crucial in expanding the Septimius Awards' global reach and influence. Furthermore, a core focus of his ambassadorship will be to help foster global diversity initiatives, particularly within the competitive landscape of Hollywood. Mr. Craig's commitment to promoting inclusivity and equitable representation aligns perfectly with the Septimius Awards' fundamental mission to celebrate cinematic achievements from all corners of the globe, regardless of background or origin.

The Septimius Awards has rapidly gained recognition for its commitment to showcasing independent films, documentaries, short films, and animations from around the world. By providing a vital platform for emerging and established filmmakers alike, the Septimius Awards contributes significantly to the global cinematic dialogue and fosters cross-cultural understanding through the art of storytelling. Mr. Craig's involvement will undoubtedly amplify these efforts, helping to ensure that diverse voices are not only heard but celebrated on an international stage. His deep understanding of market trends and consumer behavior will also be leveraged to identify new opportunities for growth and engagement, ensuring the Septimius Awards remains at the forefront of independent cinema.

This strategic collaboration underscores the Septimius Awards' proactive approach to bridging cultural divides and promoting a more inclusive narrative in entertainment. Mr. Craig’s unique background, blending military discipline with high-level entertainment industry experience, offers a fresh perspective on cultivating talent and fostering equitable practices. He will play a key role in developing mentorship programs and educational initiatives designed to empower underrepresented filmmakers, providing them with the tools and connections necessary to succeed in a challenging industry. His efforts will extend beyond simply acknowledging diversity to actively creating pathways for sustained success and representation, pushing for tangible change within the Hollywood ecosystem and beyond. The aim is to create a more level playing field where talent is recognized irrespective of background, and diverse stories can reach global audiences.

The addition of Keith L. Craig, alongside other respected ambassadors and the newly appointed Strategic Creative Director, signifies a powerful expansion of the Septimius Awards' leadership and strategic capabilities. With these seasoned professionals at the helm of key initiatives, the Septimius Awards is poised for unprecedented growth and an even greater impact on the international film landscape, solidifying its position as a vital force in promoting global cinematic excellence and diversity. This strategic move underscores the Septimius Awards' commitment to becoming a leading voice in the global conversation about inclusive storytelling and industry practices. The organization looks forward to the transformative impact Mr. Craig's expertise and dedication will bring.