Draft:Benji's Hour (film)

Benji's Hour is a 2023 American coming-of-age drama film written, directed, and produced by Gabriel Kahane in his feature film debut. The film stars Justin Mark, Holly Heiser, Kirsten Russell, Gabriel Kahane, Emma Kothari, and Catherine Curtin.

Plot
When a lawbreaking teenager is forced to work at a wig shop for cancer patients, he meets a guarded woman who irreversibly alters the course of his life.

Cast

 * Justin Mark as Benjamin (Benji) Hayes
 * Holly Heiser as Laura
 * Kirsten Russell as Rita Hayes
 * Catherine Curtin as Susan
 * Gabriel Kahane as Eric
 * Emma Kothari as Samantha
 * Jagger Bernard as Young Benji
 * Daniel Hilt as Benji's Father
 * Noah Forrest as Loan Shark
 * Benjamin Curns as Detective Zalinsky
 * Martin Sola as Martin (lawyer)
 * Gloria Phillips as ER Doctor
 * Devin Mahoney as Jerry
 * Tricia Boyle as Assistant DA
 * Kevin Shumway as Landlord
 * Micah Spayer as Wedding Bartender
 * Richard K. Stoodley as Detective's Partner
 * Jacklyn Del Signore as ER Clerk
 * Andrew Kahane as Fountain Security Guard
 * Ashley Pope as Diner Server
 * Kye Weston as Young Eric
 * Paul Buckley as Monocled Man at Funeral
 * Phonon Perriloux as Judge (voice)
 * Cole Pierce as Toddler Benji
 * Alicia Hurley as Laura's Daughter
 * Fleece as Samantha's Mom (voice)
 * Theodore K. Howard as Bailiff (voice)

Production
The film is Kahane's feature film debut. Principal photography took place around New York State, with a large amount of filming taking place in Utica, New York.

Release
Benji's Hour held its world premiere at the Calgary International Film Festival on September 22, 2023. The US premiere took place at Hell's Half Mile in Bay City, Michigan. It later screened at Catalina Film Festival.