Brenton Benton — On Filmmaking, Inspiration, and Creative Discipline
Discovering Filmmaking Through Curiosity
Brenton’s filmmaking journey began not with a lifelong dream, but with a simple, growing curiosity. In high school, while everyone around him felt pressured to choose a “forever” career, he found himself drawn to something unexpected.
“I thought I wanted to study paleontology,” he laughs, but traditional academics weren’t really for me.
What did spark something in him was video editing, a skill that became his first doorway into filmmaking. That passion grew until he enrolled in the Digital Film & Video Production program at the Art Institute of Charlotte.
He thrived immediately.
He built connections, sharpened his craft, and even won Best Portfolio in his program. It was here that filmmaking shifted from a curiosity to a calling, where he realized storytelling was more than a skill. It was something he could build a future around.
Story First, Always
If Brenton had to define the core of his creativity, it would be this:
Story.
Every concept he develops begins with an image in his mind, but the story is what gives purpose to the visual. He refuses to create anything that feels empty or disconnected from his values.
“Every story needs a message. I’ve turned down projects simply because I didn’t connect with what was being told.”
One of his most meaningful pieces, Go for Sililoquy, follows a freelance photographer navigating both creative ambition and mental health challenges. The short stars Isaiah Leeks, Carolina El, Kamryn Sands, and JUNE, and marks a turning point in his evolution as a filmmaker.
Charlotte as a Creative Ecosystem
Unlike larger film hubs, Charlotte’s smaller industry is one of Brenton’s favorite things about the city.
“Charlotte’s industry isn’t huge, and honestly, that’s a strength.”
Less gatekeeping. More community. More room to grow.
Brenton believes Charlotte is a place where creators can establish their voice without the pressure of oversaturated markets. But he also sees where the city can evolve.
He wants film to be seen not as a hobby, but a viable career path, and he dreams of a day when North Carolina invests in its entertainment industry the way it does in medicine and finance.
Building Community Through Events
Some of Brenton’s work extends beyond the screen. He coordinates film and photography events, not for inspiration, but out of necessity. That necessity transformed into something meaningful for the community.
He’s hosted:
Film screenings
Q&A sessions
Album cover shoots
Promo photography
Networking events for creatives
A Vision Rooted in Sustainability
If Brenton pursued modeling, it would be in alignment with his environmental values.
“I’m drawn to sustainability: thrifting, responsible materials, eco-focused campaigns.”
He imagines photoshoots grounded in nature, not just aesthetically, but symbolically. His identity as a filmmaker is inseparable from his commitment to environmental activism, renewable energy, and net-zero initiatives.
This theme continues throughout his work — creativity with a conscience.
Staying Rooted While Expanding Outward
Brenton’s heart remains in Charlotte, but his vision expands far beyond it.
He wants to grow in LA, NY, or Atlanta, but not for the visual reasons. His goal isn’t to flee Charlotte for bigger opportunities, but to elevate the city.
“I want to expand to big cities, but only to shine a brighter light on Charlotte.”
The Ambition People Don’t Always See
One of the final questions in our interview touched on something deeply human: what the world tends to overlook about him.
His answer? Ambition.
“People tell me to slow down, but the world needs ambition.”
He wants his films to do more than entertain. He wants them to shift perspectives, empower audiences, and incite action, especially around environmental issues.
Meaningful change, he believes, begins with accountability. And he wants his work to be part of that change.
About the Artist
Rooted in Charlotte and driven by purpose, Brenton Benton is the founder of B. Sinima Productions, named after the Malaysian word for cinema. His work blends storytelling, activism, and community-building to inspire audiences and challenge perspectives.
Contact: 704-615-4556 | brenton@bsinima.com
