Kellie Ann Benz is a multifaceted individual, boasting a diverse array of professional pursuits, including screenwriter, film producer, director, journalist, and newspaper editor. Born in Redding, California, Benz's early life was marked by a relocation to British Columbia, Canada, where she was raised.
Benz's foray into the film industry commenced in 1996, when she penned a script for a 13-minute short film titled The Second Coming. This initial foray was followed by another short film, Cinderella; Single Again, which premiered at the 2001 Vancouver International Film Festival, a prestigious event that showcased her talent to a wider audience.
Notably, Benz's work on Cinderella; Single Again was made possible through her receipt of a Telefilm Canada/Director's Guild of Canada Kickstart grant in 1999, a significant recognition of her potential as a filmmaker. This grant not only provided Benz with the necessary resources to bring her vision to life but also served as a springboard for her future projects.
Benz's subsequent short film, Awkward, premiered at the Montreal World Film Festival, further solidifying her reputation as a talented and innovative filmmaker.
Since the year 2009, Sarah Benz has been consistently writing a column focused on short films and web series for The National Screen Institute and The Shorts Report, a testament to her enduring passion for the industry.
In 2010, Benz's exceptional talent was recognized when she was selected as one of the six finalists for Vancouver's prestigious annual event, Crazy 8's, and her short film, Stupid Chainsaw Tricks, written by Kris Elgtrand and starring Tom Scholte, gained widespread attention.
Following a brief relocation to the United States in 2014, Benz resumed her journalism career, marking a significant milestone in her professional journey.
Throughout her illustrious career, Benz has held various esteemed positions, including associate editor of Washington Coast Magazine, lifestyles editor at The Daily World in Aberdeen, Washington, editor of The Redwood Times, and special publications editor for the Eureka Times-Standard in Northern California.
In addition to her editorial roles, Benz has also had the opportunity to edit numerous community newspapers in the South Bay, including Los Gatos Weekly-Times, Saratoga News, Campbell Report, and Milpitas Post, further solidifying her reputation as a skilled and versatile journalist.
