Ben Cox
VFR: Ben, tell us about yourself and your journey to becoming a filmmaker based in Vancouver.
Ben Cox: I got my start in filmmaking through making short films about people who I found inspiring. Whether it was metal artists making anatomically accurate animal sculptures, a hairdresser from Hong Kong who transformed his tiny salon into a jazz bar every Thursday, or a writer who swam his way across the UK to support his mental health, I’m always looking for powerful stories of passionate and relatable people.
I had always promised myself that I would live abroad for a period of time. After spending several years working in-house at a production company in Brighton UK, I decided it was time for a change and I made the move to the West Coast of Canada.
It’s been almost 5 years now, and it’s definitely begun to feel like home. It’s been fun to build community here and meet a whole host of incredible new people in that time and also come across some wonderful stories in the process.
VFR: Please share about using film as a tool for positive social change and how this has informed your work and process.
BC: The power of films as a tool for positive social change is something I’m becoming increasingly passionate about. In the early years of my career, my curiosity and focus was mainly on the production and filmmaking stages of my various projects. In other words, figuring out how to tell the story and do it justice.
Now, I find myself thinking more and more about the impact that a film can have once it’s released. I’m learning that when it comes to telling stories that have the power to enact change, the life after the film is finished is just as important as the work that goes into crafting it. Like many filmmakers, I’ve always dreamt that my films will change something or impact people, but up until this year, I didn’t really understand what was necessary to make that happen.
At the beginning of this year, I had the opportunity to join a mentorship program with the organization Story Money Impact, a registered non-profit which helps films to reach their impact potential. This program was pretty inspirational for me, as it really broke down impact work: how to identify and engage with your audience and how you might apply these principles to your film.
I think a huge piece for me was thinking about where the greatest change might happen, who the film is going to impact the most, and how you’re going to get those people in a room to watch your film in the first place. I think as a filmmaker you're always drawn to film festivals and awards, and although these might be useful for making your next film, where you are really going to make an impact is by screening it out in the community. Although I was enrolled in the program with a separate film, I’ve since then applied many of the things I’ve learned to trying my best to create impact with The Interceptors.
VFR and Chef TJ’s stories are so inspiring that I know they have the power to enact change if the right people in the community see the film.
VFR: The Interceptors, your recent Telus Originals documentary, features the community meal program run by Chef TJ Conwi of Ono Vancouver and Vancouver Food Runners. Tell us about how this project came about and what inspired you to take it on.
BC: The whole project initially started from me being curious about the app technology behind VFR. For better or worse, our lives are intertwined with technology, and I’m someone who is both incredibly addicted to my phone, but also would love to never have to look at it again. When I was first introduced to VFR, I just remember using the app on my phone and thinking, “Wow, this system is just such an incredible use of technology, and it’s having such a huge impact — I need to find out more!”
After my initial excitement about the technology, it quickly became clear that the real story was going to surround the incredible community who were (literally) driving this project, including the amazing volunteers, food businesses, and the VFR team.
It was actually Chloe from VFR who pointed me in the direction of Chef TJ, and we connected over a cup of coffee. Just from that first meeting, it became pretty clear that the work Chef TJ was doing was really incredible, and his passion shone through. It’s definitely a sensation I’ve had a few times in the past, but I spent the next few days processing feelings of awe, excitement, and nervousness, almost in disbelief of the fact that no one had made a film about TJ yet and that if I wanted to do it, I better get on it.
VFR: Throughout the filmmaking process, as you were learning more about the food system and food insecurity, what surprised you the most? And what left you feeling frustrated?
BC: I mean, the food insecurity numbers across so-called Canada are pretty shocking. In the film, Tristan talks about 1 in 6 students going to school hungry, and these numbers aren’t getting any better. I’ve been working on another food-related project and new data shows that due to the impacts of the pandemic, recent increases in inflation, and rising food prices, this number is now estimated to be closer to 1 in 5. This is just one example, but I think it’s incredibly devastating and frustrating that we live in such a rich country (and city) with such rampant inequities, especially when it comes to something as important as dignified access to food.
What gives me some hope is the work being done to create systemic change, but also the incredible people on the ground who do so much with so little. Throughout the filming process it was so inspiring to see all the members of the community working together in order to support the nonprofit partners who provide such important services for the people who need it.
VFR: Every film shoot is likely quite different. Do you have some special moments that stood out for you during this project?
BC: Film can be really stressful, especially when you’re working with a relatively small budget and a tight timeframe! We were working with both on The Interceptors, but honestly I have nothing but amazing things to say about our filming days. Often in documentary filmmaking, you’re working with a crew who share a passion for being involved in projects that have the potential to have an impact, and I definitely felt that with this film. Going into one scene with TJ, I knew it was likely going to be a situation where he was going to be open and vulnerable. It felt reassuring to be with a team of people who I knew were going to support him and make him feel safe, in what was going to be a potentially difficult moment.
On the lighter side of things, there’s a scene at the beginning of the film where we filmed TJ cycling to work. This was especially fun, as we had to rent an electric bike with a Ben-sized bucket on the front, so I could film TJ as he biked to work with someone else steering the bike. We picked a quiet section of the Seawall and started very early in the morning, and after a couple of attempts got the shots we needed. (see photo!)
I’d also like to give a special shout out to Mike Johnston from Studio 104 Entertainment. Mike is just such a great person to work with and doesn’t seem phased by anything, which just led to such a great working environment. On top of that, the team at VFR were incredibly helpful with coordinating all the volunteers, which made the whole process incredibly streamlined. It really wouldn’t have been possible without them!
VFR: What’s next for The Interceptors? Where can it be viewed and are there any other projects now connected to this special film?
BC: The Interceptors is currently streaming on Telus Optik TV and on the new Telus online documentary portal where you can watch it for free! In line with my new understanding of how to generate greater impact with my films, we’re also currently building out a strategy to create a series of screenings for the community through the winter of 23/24.
As for connected projects, I do have another little film brewing that focuses on one of TJ’s other food projects that is also supported by Vancouver Food Runners. As if we needed any more reasons to love TJ, for the last few years he’s been working with edible education teacher Brent Mansfield to run a groundbreaking public school food program called LunchLAB. I was lucky enough to get some funding from CBC to make a short film about the project, and I’m excited for it to air across CBC’s channels in early fall.
VFR: Summertime is here! Tell us about some of your favorite things to do in BC during the summer months!
BC: I love surfing, and getting out to Ucluelet or Tofino is definitely a favourite. However, this summer’s been a little different and has been somewhat taken up with another project that I’m very excited about!
Together, with Indigenous director Ryan Dickie, we've spent a large portion of this year at Tea Creek, an Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Leadership training program based in Gitxsan territory in Northern BC. It’s been an absolute privilege to spend time up there out on the land, and I can honestly say that it’s been a highlight of my time in this part of the world.
If you haven’t heard of Tea Creek make sure you take a look, as it’s an incredible food-based program that is changing the lives of its participants. I have learnt so much in my short time there, and it’s really impressed upon me the urgency of getting behind Indigenous Food Sovereignty and the incredible impact that it could have if fairly funded. Our film will air on CBC in Summer 2024 — stay tuned!
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