Benjamin Budd, a multifaceted and accomplished screenwriter, has garnered widespread recognition for his exceptional ability to weave together disparate narrative threads, effortlessly combining drama, comedy, action-thriller, and Transcendentalism to create rich, complex storytelling.
Ben's journey began with a profound interest in international relations, which ultimately led him to pursue a master's degree in a specialized field of study focused on the complexities of irregular conflict and crime in post-conflict regions.
He then embarked on a remarkable two-year sojourn as a teacher in Kurdish Northern Iraq, where he resided and worked in the vibrant city of Erbil. During his time there, he bore witness to a pivotal moment in history - the dramatic fall of Mosul, a city that would forever be etched in his memory. Moreover, he was present during the devastating attack on the nearby Ministry of Justice, an experience that left an indelible mark on his perspective.
Ben's tenure in Iraq was marked by a significant amount of travel, with extensive journeys taken throughout the region, encompassing a diverse array of cities, including the historically significant Kirkuk, the Kurdish-majority city of Halabja, the southeastern Turkish city of Diyarbakir, and the northern Iraqi city of Sulaimaniyah.
Moreover, Ben's time in Iraq was also marked by a harrowing close call, as he narrowly escaped injury when a car bomb exploded near the US consulate in Ainkawa on April 17th, 2015, resulting in a perilous situation involving small arms fire.
Ben's professional endeavors extend far beyond his work as a screenwriter, as he has also dabbled in country risk analysis, a task that requires a meticulous and nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between political, economic, and social factors that can impact a country's stability and security.
In this capacity, Ben has honed his skills in identifying and mitigating potential risks, a talent that has served him well in his consulting work on extremism and media. This particular area of expertise has allowed him to delve into the fascinating realm of epistemic identity, a concept that explores the intricate relationships between knowledge, power, and culture.
Ben's scholarly pursuits have led him to present his research on this topic in London, a testament to his dedication to his craft and his ability to distill complex ideas into clear and compelling presentations.
Beyond his work in country risk analysis and consulting, Ben has also pursued high-risk security credentials in South Africa, a region notorious for its high crime rates and political instability.
In this context, Ben has demonstrated his willingness to take calculated risks by volunteering his time on nightshifts in a mobile ambulance in the Cape Town shantytowns, a challenging and emotionally demanding environment that requires a high degree of physical and mental stamina.
Furthermore, Ben has also honed his teaching skills by leading Hostile Environment Awareness Training sessions for deploying humanitarians, including a well-known A-list actress. This experience has not only allowed him to share his knowledge and expertise with others but also to develop a deeper understanding of the complexities and challenges that individuals face in high-risk environments.
