About this project
BEN & ARA- an independent film.
Ben, a passionately agnostic PhD student, falls behind in his dissertation and is surprised to find his muse and love in Ara, a devout Muslim woman of African descent. Even though they have vastly different beliefs, they find a way to connect in a world that challenges their relationship. Through their journey, they discover that when two cultures touch each other the consequences can be magical and tragic.
The Story
BEN is an intelligent but unmotivated PhD student who’s spent 7 years toiling over a dissertation about philosophy and religion. He’s put on alert that if he doesn’t defend his work by the end of the academic year, all his courses will be invalidated.
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Through happenstance or fate he runs across ARA, a beautiful African woman who not only happens to be in Ben’s department, but is also a devout Muslim. Ara is the pride of her family and everything that Ben is not - focused, motivated, organized, disciplined, and an overachiever.
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Though Ara has intentionally kept herself insulated Ben intrigues her and disturbs her equilibrium in a way that no one has before. They grow closer but the situation is further complicated by the discovery that Ben is in an open relationship with GABRIELLE, an assertive MBA student who doesn’t seem to mind sharing her boyfriend with another woman, especially since she herself is involved with another man.
Background
We've spent the past year working hard to get this film made in Heinsville Georgia. We started by putting together an amazing team of extremely talented film professionals. Among the first to join us was Samone Norsworthy, a friend and dedicated producer who has a couple of award winning films under her belt. We approached Nnegest Likke, who directed Academy Award winner Mo'Nique in
Phat Girlz, to take the helm directing. David Rakoczy, a veteran DP whose credits include
Asylum, Lancelot: Guardian of Time and
Nightmare on Elm Street 4,came on board as our cinematographer.
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As it turns out, our production is also international! Nkanya Nkwai, a filmmaker based in Cameroon, West Africa, joined our crew as the second unit director. So, you can look forward to seeing some beautiful images of Africa in addition to some great locations in Liberty County, Georgia where a bulk of production took place.
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We were also fortunate to be joined by a stellar cast of actors including Q'orianka Kilcher (The New World, Sons of Anarchy, Longmire), Michael Chieffo (LA Confidential, Argo, Hart of Dixie), Akuyoe Graham (American Pie, Chicago Hope, Danika) and Mohamed Dione (Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Restless City, Sessions). We were very excited to have Emily Saliers of the Grammy Award winning Indigo Girls join our cast to play Ben's mom.
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Emily Saliers joins the cast as Andrea, Ben's mom.
How You Can Help
When it comes to making movies, it takes a village to make it come to life. We've gone pretty far in the production process and accomplished a great deal. We have a "film in the can" as they say. Now what? We're only halfway through the filmmaking process and we need YOUR help to see it through to the end.
We need to raise funds to complete post-production, which involves editing, sound, music and color correction. Without these things we don't have a movie, and without your help, we'll have a pretty difficult time making this dream a reality. No amount is too small so we welcome any and all donations.
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Our Goal
We believe that something amazing happens when two people, from drastically different points of view, are able to look past their differences and have a heart to heart connection. And two people connecting despite cultural barriers is something everyone should experience, if only vicariously through our story. That is our goal with BEN & ARA, to open us up to one another just a little more.
About Us!
Nnegest Likke - Director
Nnegest was born in California to an Ethiopian revolutionary father, Senay Likké, who met her mother at the University of California, Berkeley in the 1960s. Her début film - which she wrote and directed - was the 2006 comedy Phat Girlz starring Academy Award winner Mo'Nique.
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Joseph Baird - Actor | Writer | Producer
Joseph was recently cast in two pilots and a short film called 'The Percipient' which premiered at the Cannes Festival in 2012. His latest credits include a co-star on the new CBS show "Scorpion" and a leading role in a UK film entitled "Capsule". Though an experienced writer, Ben & Ara is the first screenplay.
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Constance Ejuma - Actress | Producer
Born in Cameroon and raised in the US, Constance Ejuma became interested in acting as a teenager and went on to study theater at the University of Toronto. She spent a brief time pursuing acting in the Washington, DC before making the move to Los Angeles to further her training and advance her career. Constance has credits in theatre, film and television.
Samone Norsworthy - Producer
Samone is the CEO of Wonder Worthy Productions®, LLC which crafts high-quality film, television, and new media projects for the viewing audience by working worldwide with established and innovative creative talents to craft every project into an exceptional piece of art that withstands the test of time. Wonder Worthy Productions seeks to produce high quality projects that exceed the expectations of its clients, partners, customers, and viewing public.
Producer Samone Norsworthy gets recruited as an actor for the day and performs a scene with Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls.
Behind The Scenes
DP David Rakoczy and director Nnegest Likke set up a shot.
Actors Joseph Baird, Q'orianka Kilcher and William Mark McCullough play out a scene.
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Joseph Baird with veteran actor Michael Chieffo.
Nnegest Likke gives direction to actors Mohammed Dione and Constance Ejuma.
Exit 76 Band, local to the Savannah, Georgia area, was generous enough to lend some original songs. They are also featured in a scene in the film.
Our cast in Cameroon, West Africa, performs a scene.