Meet a VC Archives: Artist in Residence - Derek Benig
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Learn about one of VC archives’ inaugural cohort of Artists in Residence, Derek Benig!
What inspired you to pursue film/media arts
My Mom always put me in front of a camera growing up, recording and taking photos of my life. As I was navigating challenging environments that made me feel unsafe, film became a medium where I could process my experiences by creating meaningful stories with peers that would become lifelong friends. In a way, it became a creative documentation of a life/soul searching for purpose. These days I am working towards crafting stories about community and the fantastic adventures life has to offer.
What attracted you to the VC Archives?
VC is home to some of Asian America’s most important visual media that’s been recorded! When I first came to LA one of the first places that helped me find community was VC. In a lot of ways, doing work with the archives right now feels like a way of giving back to the organization that helped me find my footing when I first moved here.
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m currently directing and editing a documentary on the longest running Asian American mic series in the country, Tuesday Night Cafe, which takes place in the Courtyard of the Union Center for the Arts! Otherwise, I’m always writing, filming and observing the world around me. One of these days I’ll spin that up into some kind of fantasy fiction film.
What do you like to do during your free time? Study Karate, surf some small waves and play Dungeons and Dragons with friends.
3 favorites from the VC Archives:
Hito Hata: Raise the Banner dir. Duane Kubo and Robert A. Nakamura
Wataridori: Passage of Birds dir. Robert A. Nakamura
Any film by Frances Ito - a true superstar
Dream music festival lineup: Yvette Young, One OK Rock, Japanese Breakfast and Paranoul
Unpopular opinion: Calling is better than texting.
Restaurant recommendation: Suehiro! Suehiro! Suehiro!
Where to find you: @benigfilms everywhere!
