Our newsletter featuring conversations with industry leaders and filmmakers.
DOC NYC’s 5 Questions With… features industry leaders and filmmakers sharing thoughts on their work of the moment. This week, DOC NYC’s Director of Industry and Education, Malikkah Rollins, speaks with Opal H. Bennett, Executive Producer of POV Shorts and Senior Producer at American Documentary.
"I turned my passion for film into my job, so I will often 'palate-cleanse' through engaging with other passion arts."
1. How do you fulfill your own creative passions and dreams?
OPAL H. BENNETT: My creative passions have usually aligned with the visual/performance arts. I turned my passion for film into my job, so I will often 'palate-cleanse' through engaging with other passion arts like theater, photography and paintings. I also love film poster art and have an extensive collection of film posters which I love.
2. What was your favorite film in 2022?
OPAL H. BENNETT: Ooof this one is difficult to answer because, films I love are my Lays -- I can't have just one! Some favorites from last year were:
A House Made of Splinters Beba Fire of Love EO All the Beauty and the Bloodshed Riotsville, USA
Saint Omer Tár Everything Everywhere All At Once Shut Up and Paint The Martha Mitchell Effect Turning Red
Shut Up and Paint, directed by Titus Kaphar and Alex Mallis
3. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received that you still adhere to?
OPAL H. BENNETT: Hmmm, my mom always advised me to grab napkins when getting take-out, and to leave things as I found them when a guest in someone's home. Following that advice has always worked out.
4. What professional goal have you not yet achieved?
OPAL H. BENNETT: I have always dreamt about helping to create a film from start to finish: develop, produce and release.
5. What is your dream future documentary project to produce?
OPAL H. BENNETT: Super nerdy, but a sociohistorical look at the evolution of graphic depictions of stories (i.e., movie posters; book covers; etc). Always been intrigued by how that particular creative expression began and evolved.
COMING UP
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