“I Can’t Breathe” is a raw, unflinching documentary featuring never-before-seen footage of the events that shaped 2020.
Last month, the Los Angeles Film School welcomed back two alumni, Jeff and Lauren Benjamin, to host a screening for Academy members of their latest film, “I Can’t Breathe.” The film is an intimate portrait of how the tragic death of George Floyd changed the world and sparked a powerful movement that marked a year of unprecedented social upheaval. “I Can’t Breathe” was announced as one of the films eligible for the 97th Academy Awards in the Best Documentary Feature category.
Jeff and Lauren met almost 15 years ago while working on the set of a television show called “Miami Nights.” Their love for each other grew alongside their curiosity to learn the ins and outs of the film industry, and they both decided to pursue film studies. Jeff first became involved in social justice issues by following the story of two Chicago boys, ages 7 and 8, the youngest accused murderers in the United States. Jeff wrote a book, “Juvenile Injustice: The Chicago Story,” about the trial and later found validation by immersing himself further in social justice issues, eventually spending a year volunteering in Haiti after the earthquake from 2010.
Jeff and Lauren took a leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles. They chose to attend the Los Angeles Film School for its hands-on experience and prime location in the heart of Hollywood, where the pulse of the entertainment industry beats strongest.
“Just being in the heart of Los Angeles, where movies were invented, helped immerse me in the industry,” Jeff said. “I felt like I was in the center of all the action. I was watching movie magic happen all around me and I was a part of it.
Jeff completed the Cinematography and Film/Video Production program while Lauren began studying in the school’s Entertainment Business degree program. Graduating from the program with honors, Lauren quickly learned that she wanted to pursue a creative career, which inspired her to return to the Los Angeles Film School to participate in its Writing for Film and Television program.
“My teachers in both of my programs at Los Angeles Film School pushed my creativity and fueled my inspiration,” Lauren said of her time with the school’s instructors. “They were encouraging and provided me with sound advice on the development of my writing.”
“I Can’t Breathe” was inspired by Jeff’s desire to share what he sees as a catalytic and overlooked moment in world history, which occurred in cities around the world over the tumultuous summer of 2020. In his words, the murder of George Floyd was one of the greatest travesties in history, a spark that ignited discussions about social injustice around the world, and it must not be forgotten.
Jeff and Lauren find constant inspiration working together while raising their family of four children. And they enjoy their time at the Los Angeles Film School. They still take advantage of the many opportunities offered to alumni of the school. Specifically, they both credit the Los Angeles Film School’s involvement in the academy with helping to open doors, spark their creativity, hone their skills in the industry, and provide them with timely pathways to networking, relationships and jobs.
We love finding out what our alumni are working on in the entertainment industry. If you’re an LA Film School alum and have an upcoming project, tell us! Connect with us and send your project details!