Private Project

Hey, Benson

A lonely person reflects on moments in their life that haunt them to this day.

  • Noah Rees
    Director
  • Noah Rees
    Writer
  • Noah Rees
    Producer
  • CJ Schneider
    Key Cast
    "Peter"
  • JuliaJoy Matties
    Key Cast
    "Benson"
  • Angelea Hengle
    Key Cast
    "Dancer"
  • Emma Markuson
    Director of Photography
  • Christina Eagleson
    Editor
  • Project Type:
    Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Drama, Experimental, LGBTQ
  • Runtime:
    16 minutes 4 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 30, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    450 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    5:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - DePaul University
Director Biography - Noah Rees

Noah Rees (They/Them) is from Tiffin, Ohio and has been DePaul Film student since 2018. They've worked on several film projects predominantly as an Assistant Director and Script Supervisor. Hey, Benson is their directorial debut.

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Director Statement

Hey, Benson is a deeply personal film exploring depression, anxiety, and gender dysphoria. I have been writing versions of this film ever since 2019, the script evolving every passing year.

I have been dealing with depression since late 2017, and every passing year it got harder and harder to manage. The anxiety of mortality and the fleeting nature of happiness and purpose left me paralyzed when combined with a few traumatic events that I dealt with over these years.

After several versions of the script, I came to a realization in early 2021 about how I might have gender dysphoria. I had always had a tough time thinking about the implications of my gender my entire life, but I finally admitted to myself the magnitude of how it impacted me. This realization became the missing piece to writing the final version of Benson.

My aim was to make a film that communicated my personal experience with dealing with these emotions. This goal took around 9 completely scrapped versions written over 3 years, but thanks to the wonderful cast and crew and the life changing shoot, I believe we have achieved original intent.

The film is intentionally very ambiguous with a vignette structure, which allows the film to explore a wide range of topics and visual set pieces. The film includes a dance number to Always Knew by Alex Manfredo, who is a very important person in my life and a big inspiration.

I thank every single person involved who made this film happen, it genuinely changed my life and I hope that is reflected during your viewing.