Ben Kahn’s Journey from Shelburne to the Academy Awards: A Story of Perseverance and Passion

In the heart of Shelburne, Vermont, a young boy named Ben Kahn harbored an unwavering dream: to make movies. His passion for storytelling and filmmaking ignited in the sandbox, where he meticulously crafted stop-motion animations with his beloved action figures.

Early Steps in Filmmaking: Nurturing a Creative Spark

Champlain Valley Union High School, Ben’s alma mater, lacked an audio-visual club. Undeterred, he approached his teachers with a novel idea: submitting films as an alternative to written papers for projects. His dedication and creativity resonated with his educators, who recognized his talent and encouraged his pursuit of filmmaking.

Beyond the confines of CVU, Ben ventured to South Burlington High School, where his father, Tim Kahn, taught French. There, he found an oasis for his burgeoning filmmaking aspirations. The school’s award-winning technology and imaging lab became his creative playground, where he collaborated with like-minded peers and honed his skills in the art of filmmaking.

A Winding Path to Hollywood: Embracing Diverse Experiences

Three decades later, Ben Kahn’s past and present converged in a remarkable way. His work as the first assistant director on “Past Lives” earned the film an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, a testament to his dedication, talent, and unwavering pursuit of his childhood dream.

Ben’s journey to Hollywood was anything but conventional. After graduating from Middlebury College with a degree in film and video, he embarked on a diverse and enriching career path. He collaborated with his father on a documentary, “The Last Link,” which explored the lives of shepherds in the French Pyrenees, narrated by the legendary Willie Nelson.

Ben’s filmmaking odyssey took him to various corners of the country. He worked with Rutland moviemaker David Giancola of Edgewood Studios, collaborated with Northeast Kingdom filmmaker Jay Craven, and established his own production company in Portland, Maine, specializing in commercials and video projects.

His short film, created for a festival that challenged directors to produce a movie in just 48 hours, earned him a prestigious screening at the renowned Cannes Film Festival. Ben’s talent and versatility propelled him to work on TV shows in Utah and projects for Showtime in Las Vegas.

A pivotal moment in Ben’s career came when his friend, Nate Meyer, a director based in New York City, offered him the role of first assistant director for the 2012 film “See Girl Run,” starring Adam Scott and Robin Tunney. This experience marked a shift in Ben’s focus from direct creative projects to serving as a producer or first assistant director.

The First Assistant Director: Orchestrating Creative Visions

The role of the first assistant director is often regarded as the most demanding job on a film set. Ben Kahn embraces this challenge with enthusiasm and expertise. His primary responsibility is to translate the creative desires of screenwriters and directors into practical realities, ensuring that the necessary gear, crew, and shooting days are secured.

Ben likens his role to that of an orchestra conductor, leading a symphony of artisans working in harmony to bring the creative vision to life. He orchestrates a plan that empowers screenwriters and directors to execute their vision, creating an environment that fosters their best work.

Collaborating with Celine Song: A Shared Vision

Ben Kahn’s involvement in “Past Lives” stemmed from a producer who had worked with him on a music video shoot in New York and recognized his suitability for the film. “Past Lives” is a poignant exploration of love, choices made and unmade, as a woman reconnects with a childhood sweetheart in South Korea while navigating her marriage in New York.

Ben’s collaboration with Celine Song, the film’s first-time director, was marked by mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to excellence. Song’s willingness to learn and her innate directorial instincts complemented Ben’s experience and expertise.

Actors in “Past Lives” have lauded Ben Kahn’s contribution to establishing a supportive and collaborative atmosphere on set. Teo Yoo, one of the film’s lead actors, acknowledged Ben and Shabier Kirchner, the director of photography, for creating a safe space for vulnerable performances.

Chemistry Behind the Camera: A Recipe for Cinematic Success

Ben Kahn emphasizes the importance of chemistry among the cast and crew in crafting a compelling film. He believes that the chemistry behind the camera directly translates to what the audience sees on screen.

In the case of “Past Lives,” the story of love and choices was enriched by the genuine love and collaboration among the filmmakers. Ben asserts that the love behind the camera was as palpable as the love portrayed on screen.

Ben Kahn’s Legacy: A Testament to Perseverance and Passion

Ben Kahn’s journey from his childhood dreams in Shelburne to the Academy Awards stage is a testament to his unwavering perseverance, unwavering passion for filmmaking, and ability to adapt and excel in diverse roles.

His work on “Past Lives” showcases his mastery of the art of filmmaking, his ability to foster collaboration and chemistry among cast and crew, and his commitment to bringing powerful and emotionally resonant stories to life.

Ben Kahn’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers, demonstrating that dreams can be realized through hard work, dedication, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected turns that life may bring.

Embark on your cinematic odyssey today! Explore the world of filmmaking and uncover your inner storyteller.