Meet Bennett Curran
DC Ranch resident and University of Arizona student Bennett Curran is making his mark in film, earning top honors at the Oceanside International Film Festival. We caught up with the rising filmmaker to learn about his creative journey and what’s next.
When we learned that Bennett Curran, a University of Arizona student and DC Ranch resident, was making films and acting, we knew he would be a great addition to this issue. After his recent win for Best Student Film at the Oceanside International Film Festival, we reached out to Bennett to learn more about his journey into filmmaking and the inspiration behind his work.
Bennett, first of all -- Congratulations on winning Best Student Film at the Oceanside International Film Festival!
What was going through your mind when you heard your name announced? Thank you! When my name was called, I was overflowing with gratitude. It is a privilege to be awarded Best Student Film. To be able to uplift the voices of Altadena residents and first responders on this scale is the highest honor. My life was forever changed by the compassion I experienced while creating this film.
Tell us about your film California is Burning. What inspired the story, and what message were you hoping to share? California is Burning recalls the damages and community response after the Eaton Fire burned the historic community of Altadena, California. I hope that California is Burning serves as a reminder that we are living through a climate emergency that directly affects real communities and families. While it may feel like control is out of our hands, local preparedness, mutual aid and civic engagement matter. The Eaton and Palisades Fires will not be the last in Southern California, and I hope this film encourages proactive conversations rather than reactive ones.
When did you first become interested in filmmaking? Was there a specific moment growing
up in DC Ranch that sparked your passion? I have always been inspired by the McDowell Mountains. Any time I am immersed in nature or on a hike along the Gateway Loop, I am reminded of the power of creativity.
How did your time living in DC Ranch influence your creativity or confidence as a storyteller?
My passion for the arts started at the Homestead Community Center, where I performed in my first ever musical, Peter Pan. I fell in love with storytelling and went on to pursue theatre and performing arts for the rest of my middle and high school experience.
What has your experience been like studying film at the University of Arizona? How has college shaped your approach to filmmaking? I started my journey with the University of Arizona in the BFA Acting program. When I moved to Los Angeles two years later, I switched to the online BA in Film & Television program. My favorite part about online film school has been the ability to gain mentorship with industry professionals while creating California is Burning. The film was created with support from two
scholarships from the College of Fine Arts.
What was the biggest challenge you faced while creating California is Burning, and how did
you overcome it? The biggest challenge I faced while creating California is Burning was the weight of the
material. I’ll never forget standing in the evacuation zone surrounded by endless streets of destruction. I overcame this by focusing my lens on the compassion of the residents. I got to hear countless stories about how the community came together in spite of devastation, and it inspired me to get involved and volunteer.
What role do collaboration and teamwork play in your filmmaking process? I was honored to have been welcomed by the Pasadena Humane Society Animal Evacuation Center, Pasadena Fire Department, and California National Guard for intimate interviews. Getting to document the first responders’ intimate stories of gratitude and compassion for Altadena brought additional depth to the story.
What are your future plans? Do you hope to pursue filmmaking professionally after graduation, and what kinds of stories do you want to tell next? I am currently in pre-production on two short documentaries, with a feature film and short script in development. I want to continue telling stories that are human, tangible, and real. As an actor, I’ll appear in the upcoming Amazon Prime Video series Criminal. I just wrapped my next feature film and am excited to share more details
What advice would you give to younger students in our community who are interested in film or other creative careers? Go for it! Don’t wait for an executive to give you permission to make the projects you want to make. You have the authority to give yourself the permission.