Semifinalist, 45 Forward Screenwriting Fellowship (2026)
BIO
Ben Hickernell is an award-winning writer and director. His films have played SXSW & Seattle, have been distributed by Warner Bros,Showtime & 20th Century Studios, have received good reviews in the NY Times and Variety, and have won awards like Best Film at Traverse City FF and Best Director at Long Beach Intl FF.
Ben works to tell moving, entertaining stories that illuminate human-level
perspectives on the issues of our day. He treats his collaborators with integrity, and comes to production with an experienced indie filmmaker's practical ingenuity. Originally from Baltimore and Philadelphia, he lives in Los Angeles with his wife and son. He loves being a dad. And also, skateboarding.