Benjamin Freemantle is an expert at being in the middle and at odds with his identity. Through trying to understand where he belongs in the world, he’s often felt guilty, inadequate, ashamed, and unqualified. Now as a Canadian studying at New York University, in a country that is both too far and too close to home, he’s traveled a coarse path of self discovery, sometimes feeling like an imposter even in his own cultures.
Battling to understand his racial identity has been an awkward and hilarious journey. Benjamin has learned that this is not unique experience, as he’s bonded with other multiracial people who are familiar with being pulled at opposite ends of who they are. He is excited to explore this plight through Check The Box, and challenge the way people understand the term “cultural mosaic.”
Benjamin Freemantle - Director
Benjamin Freemantle is a young Canadian award winning director, and dancer. Freemantle is a senior in Film and Television at NYU, and is dedicated to telling unique stories that demand to be told.
- Awards for Wishes and Dreams (2017)
Tajayona Harris - Head Producer
Tajayona is a producer and director whose personal work is often experimental in nature and rooted in documentary traditions. When producing, they seek out work that utilizes art as a tool to promote the voices of the marginalized.
Ngozi Nwadiogbu - Producer
Ngozi Nwadiogbu is a writer, occasional art director, and first time producer working out of NYC. All of the projects that she is a part of display a commitment to imaginative storytelling and diverse points of view. Check the Box is no different, and she can't wait for you to see its final form!
Shalemar Coloma - Producer
Shalemar Coloma is a producer and award-winning filmmaker based in Brooklyn. As a producer, she believes in supporting filmmakers of color and works to bring new, creative voices to all kinds of audiences. She is excited to be a part of such an original project and hopes you will be too!
Have you always wanted to be the person who can say they support the arts? Well, this is your chance! Sadly, filmmaking isn’t cheap. Despite NYU awarding us with an allotment to support the project, we still need help! Help us raise $6,000 to help with transportation, casting costs, production design, equipment rentals, and costuming.
As a token of our gratitude, contributors will receive unique gifts! Perks include a digital poster, exclusive content, and an IMDB official Executive Producer credit.
FAMILY, RACE, BELONGING, EXCLUSION, and INADEQUACY.
The magical realism and surrealism in the story world are unordinary but not implausible for the characters. It’s a blend between a romantic comedy in the tradition of My Big Fat Greek Wedding (Joel Zwick) and Forrest Gump (Robert Zemeckis), and a Surreal Drama/Thriller in the traditions of Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Michel Gondry), The Killing of a Sacred Dear (Yorgos Lanthimos), and Get Out (Jordan Peele).
Substitute Hollywood romance for imperfect self-love. The characters carry their insecurities like daggers in their lungs.
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