Bill Benenson
Bill Benenson | |
|---|---|
 Bill Benenson in 2024 | |
| Born | Bruce William Benenson February 10, 1943 (82 years) New York City, US |
| Alma mater | Columbia University |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Notable work | |
| Spouse | Laurie Benenson (m. 1990) |
| Children | 2 |
| Parents |
|
| Website | https://benensonproductions.com/ |
Bruce William "Bill" Benenson (born February 10, 1943) is an American filmmaker and philanthropist known for his work in documentary filmmaking, particularly focusing on environmental issues, indigenous cultures, and cultural preservation. His projects, including Dirt! The Movie and Hadza: Last of the First, have received attention for their exploration of humanity's relationship with nature.[1][2] Beyond filmmaking, Benenson is involved in supporting humanitarian causes, sustainable development, and environmental conservation efforts.[3]
Early life and education
[edit]Benenson was born on February 10, 1943, in New York City. He pursued higher education at Columbia University, where he enrolled in the School of General Studies. Despite facing challenges with dyslexia, Benenson majored in comparative literature and graduated in 1967. His time at Columbia was transformative, as he developed a passion for storytelling and writing, which laid the foundation for his future career in filmmaking.[4]
Following his graduation, Benenson served for two and a half years in the United States Peace Corps, stationed in the semi-arid region of Bahia, Brazil. During his service, he was exposed to the environmental and social dynamics of the area, particularly the remnants of the diamond prospecting boom. His experiences in Bahia later informed his first documentary, Diamond Rivers, which aired on WNET/PBS in 1977.
In 1975, Benenson furthered his education in the cinematic arts by becoming a Directing Fellow at the American Film Institute.[5] This opportunity allowed him to hone his skills in film direction and production, setting the stage for his extensive career in both documentary and narrative filmmaking.
Career
[edit]Benenson's filmmaking career spans over five decades, encompassing both documentary and narrative films that often explore environmental, cultural, and social themes.[4][6]
Early work
[edit]Benenson's initial foray into filmmaking was inspired by his Peace Corps service in Bahia, Brazil. There, he was struck by the environmental and social aftermath of the region's diamond prospecting boom. This experience led him to create his debut documentary, Diamond Rivers, which aired on WNET/PBS in 1977.[7]
Documentary and filmmaking
[edit]In 2009, Benenson co-directed and produced Dirt! The Movie with Gene Rosow.[8] The documentary, inspired by William Bryant Logan's book Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and was later broadcast on PBS for Earth Day.[9] The film received mixed reviews; while some praised its informative content and animation, others found it didactic in parts.[10]
In 2014, Benenson directed and produced The Hadza: Last of the First, a documentary about the Hadza people, a hunter-gatherer community in Tanzania. The film was noted for its exploration of the Hadza's way of life and the challenges they face in the modern world. Reviews highlighted the film's avoidance of myth-making ethnography and its candid portrayal of the Hadza's interactions with modernity.[11]
In 2018, Benenson directed The Lost City of the Monkey God, documenting the search for a lost Pre-Columbian city in the Honduran jungle. The film follows an expedition that utilized LIDAR technology to uncover ruins in the Mosquitia region. The documentary received attention for its depiction of the challenges faced during the expedition and the implications of the discovery.[12][13]
Narrative and executive production
[edit]Beyond documentaries, Benenson has served as a producer or executive producer on several narrative films. Notably, he was the executive producer for Beasts of No Nation (2015), Honey Boy (2019), and Harriet (2019).[14] Benenson founded Benenson Productions in 1970. According to its website, the company produces films that explore topics related to culture, science, and the environment.[15]
Philanthropy
[edit]Benenson is deeply committed to environmental conservation, indigenous rights, and the arts through his extensive philanthropic work.[16]
Together with his wife, Laurie Benenson—a founding editor of The Independent, a New York Times publication focused on independent film—he oversees the Francis & Benjamin Benenson Foundation.[17] The foundation supports a wide range of initiatives, including efforts to preserve the Amazon rainforest, protect endangered cultures, and promote sustainable agriculture.[18]
Benenson has served on the boards of several organizations aligned with his environmental and cultural interests. He is a board member of Bioneers, an environmental advocacy group, and a supporter of Amazon Watch, the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the Center for Biological Diversity, and the Natural Resources Defense Council.[19]
The focus of Benenson's philanthropic work overlaps with the themes explored in several of his documentary projects, particularly concerning indigenous communities and environmental issues.[20]
He has also collaborated with institutions such as the Environmental Film Festival in the Nation's Capital and California State University's Focus on Global Justice Film Series, using film as a medium to promote awareness of environmental and human rights issues.[21]
Awards and honors
[edit]Benenson has received recognition for his contributions to documentary filmmaking and environmental advocacy.
In 2009, his documentary Dirt! The Movie, co-directed with Gene Rosow, was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival. The film explores the relationship between humans and soil and was inspired by William Bryant Logan's book Dirt: The Ecstatic Skin of the Earth.[10] It was later broadcast on PBS/ITVS for the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day.[22]
The Hadza: Last of the First (2014), another of Benenson's documentaries, premiered at the Environmental Film Festival in Washington, D.C., and was screened as part of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The film highlights the lives of the Hadza people, one of the world's last remaining hunter-gatherer tribes.[23]
In 2018, Benenson directed The Lost City of the Monkey God, documenting the search for a lost Pre-Columbian city in the Honduran jungle.[13] The film was recognized in Foreign Policy magazine's annual "Leading Global Thinkers" list.
Additionally, Benenson received the Impact Award from the Jewish Community Center (JCC) for his contributions to cinema and storytelling.[24]
Personal life
[edit]Benenson is married to Laurie Benenson, a journalist and film producer. The couple married in 1990 and eventually settled in Pacific Palisades, California.[25] Laurie began her career writing and editing for publications such as The Arizona Republic, Los Angeles Herald-Examiner, Architectural Digest, New West magazine, and the Whole Earth Catalogue.[26] In 1985, she founded Movieline Magazine, serving as its editor-in-chief for six years.[26] She later contributed to The New York Times Arts and Leisure Section as a West Coast correspondent on film and television.[26] An ardent environmentalist, Laurie serves on the board of TreePeople[27] and is a member of the Leadership Council of the Natural Resources Defense Council. She is also a strong supporter of Rainforest Action Network, Conservation International, the Union of Concerned Scientists, Defenders of Wildlife, The Oceanic Society, Amazon Conservation Team, and Bioneers. Together, Bill and Laurie have collaborated on several film projects, including Dirt! The Movie and The Hadza: Last of the First.[28]
Benenson is the son of Charles B. Benenson, a prominent real estate developer and philanthropist,[29] and Dorothy Cullman, an American philanthropist and television producer.[30] Charles founded the Francis & Benjamin Benenson Foundation, which Bill and his two brothers, Frederick C Benenson and Lawrence B Benenson, manage.[31] The foundation supports various causes, including environmental conservation, indigenous rights, and the arts.[32]
Filmography
[edit]| As Director | ||
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1975 | Diamond Rivers | Documentary aired on PBS |
| 2009 | Dirt! The Movie | Co-directed with Gene Rosow |
| 2014 | The Hadza: Last of the First | Documentary on the Hadza people |
| 2018 | The Lost City of the Monkey God | Documentary on a lost city in Honduras |
| As Producer | ||
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1979 | Boulevard Nights | Drama about life in East Los Angeles |
| 1985 | The Lightship | Drama film |
| 2009 | Dirt! The Movie | Documentary on soil and environmental issues |
| 2014 | The Hadza: Last of the First | Documentary on the Hadza people |
| 2020 | Kiss the Ground | Documentary on regenerative agriculture |
| As Executive Producer | ||
| Year | Title | Notes |
| 1987 | A Walk on the Moon | Drama film |
| 1990 | Mister Johnson | Drama film |
| 2007 | Watching the Detectives | Romantic comedy |
| 2008 | Diminished Capacity | Comedy-drama film |
| 2015 | Beasts of No Nation | War drama film |
| 2016 | Making a Killing: Guns, Greed, and the NRA | Documentary on gun control |
| 2017 | Patti Cake$ | Drama film |
| 2019 | Honey Boy | Drama film |
| 2019 | Harriet | Biographical film about Harriet Tubman |
| 2019 | Fantastic Fungi | Documentary on fungi |
| 2020 | Kiss the Ground | Documentary on regenerative agriculture |
| 2021 | Bring Your Own Brigade | Documentary on wildfires |
| 2021 | Together Together | Comedy-drama film |
| 2023 | Common Ground | Documentary sequel to Kiss the Ground |
References
[edit]- ^ "Dirt! The Movie". Independent Lens. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
- ^ "The Hadza: Last of the First". www.journeyman.tv. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
- ^ "Bill Benenson". Joshua Spodek. 2022-04-10. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
- ^ a b "Shaking Up the Stories". Columbia School of General Studies. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Who Bombed Judi Bari? – The Filmmakers". whobombedjudibari.com. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ Benson, Miles (June 2, 2010). EARTH – Bill Benenson Interview (Television interview). Link TV via Internet Archive. Retrieved May 16, 2025.
- ^ "Benenson, Bill - Filmmaker". DCEFF. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "Document Viewer". docs.un.org. Retrieved 2025-05-12.
- ^ Barker, Andrew (2009-08-05). "Dirt! The Movie". Variety. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ a b Dalton, Jen (2010-03-29). "Dirt! The Movie: A Review for People Who Do and Don't Understand Why It's Important". Civil Eats. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ "The Hadza: Last of the First". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 2025-05-02.
- ^ Preston, Douglas (2013). "The Design and Fall of Civilizations". Foreign Policy (203): 112–116. ISSN 0015-7228.
- ^ a b The Lost City of the Monkey God (2018). Retrieved 2025-05-02 – via letterboxd.com.
- ^ "Films executive produced by Bill Benenson". letterboxd.com. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "About Us". Benenson Productions. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Skoll | Bill Benenson". Retrieved 2025-05-12.
- ^ "Who Bombed Judi Bari? – The Filmmakers". whobombedjudibari.com. Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ "Skoll | Bill Benenson". Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ Communications, Maggie Begley (2014-03-21). "Documentary The Hadza: Last Of The First Will Have World Premiere at Environmental Film Festival in Washington, D.C. on March 24th; The Film Is Supporting the Work of The Nature Conservancy". GlobeNewswire News Room (Press release) (in Canadian French). Retrieved 2025-05-04.
- ^ 598: Bill Benenson, part 2: Dirt! and Kiss the Ground, behind the scenes | This Sustainable Life. 2022-06-24. Retrieved 2025-05-04 – via shows.acast.com.
- ^ "Benenson, Bill - Filmmaker". DCEFF. Retrieved 2025-05-15.
- ^ "PBS HONORS THE 40th ANNIVERSARY OF EARTH DAY WITH A WEEK OF ECO-FRIENDLY PROGRAMMING". About PBS - Main. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Thirteenth Session of the Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues: Side Events" (PDF). United Nations. 2014. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Shaking Up the Stories" (PDF). Columbia University School of General Studies. The Owl Alumni Magazine. 2021. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Peace Corps Online: 2010.05.13: Brazil RPCV Bill Benenson and his wife Laurie are the filmmakers behind "Dirt: The Movie"". peacecorpsonline.org. Retrieved 2025-05-07.
- ^ a b c "Laurie Benenson – UCLA Fielding School of Public Health". UCLA Fielding School of Public Health. University of California, Los Angeles. 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Board of Directors". TreePeople. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Laurie Benenson". TreePeople. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Landon Thomas Jr (2004-02-24). "Charles Benenson, Developer And Philanthropist, Dies at 91". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ "Dorothy Cullman Obituary (2009) - New York, NY - New York Times". Legacy.com. Retrieved 2025-05-05.
- ^ Andrea Suozzo; Alec Glassford; Ash Ngu; Brandon Roberts (2013-05-09). "Frances And Benjamin Benenson Foundation Inc, Full Filing - Nonprofit Explorer". ProPublica. Retrieved 2025-05-08.
- ^ "Bill Benenson". Bioneers. Retrieved 2025-05-05.