Ben Barenholtz is a God. A Cult God. Not of the Kool-Aid variety, but of the Cult Film variety. His first job was at a movie theater in Bushwick before it was cool. His first theater originated the Midnight Movie with “El Topo.” He was a zombie in George Romero’s original “Dawn of the Dead.” His production companies brought films such as “Eraserhead,” “Barton Fink” and “Requiem for A Dream” to public attention. He is practically responsible for the careers of John Sayles, The Coen Brothers, David Lynch and Alejandro Jodorwsky. But he’s only directed one film.
Keeping in the tradition of discovering great filmmakers, Barenholtz’s film “Wakaliwood: The Documentary” chronicles his journey to the slums of Walkaliga, Uganda. He’s heard tales of a talented new director who produces, directs, and edits feature films — mainly action — from his home. It could just be his best find yet. [Editor’s note: Indiewire is SnagFilms’ parent company.]
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