Hello. My name is Shakha Benbow. Originally from Kansas City, I am a filmmaker specializing in editing, writing, and directing. I bring a wealth of experience from various film and video production roles. Whether it's a commercial, documentary, or narrative film, I always focus on delivering a story with emotional impact.
In 2018, I graduated from Missouri State University with a degree in Mass Media and Film Production, a foundation that has shaped my career. In 2024, I furthered my education with an MFA in Dramatic Writing, specializing in screenwriting.
Leading into and throughout my three years in grad school, I worked as an editor on several commercial and documentary projects. Some clients include Vice Media, White Claw, and YWCA. During this time, I also worked on several award-winning narrative films. As an editor, these experiences, such as balancing a demanding schedule, solving challenges on no-budget productions, and working across departments, help shape my ability to collaborate and make creative decisions in any environment.
The common thread through all of my work is high professionalism and creativity. I am a problem solver who believes in conveying ideas through storytelling. Whether it's a full-length documentary film or a six-second ad on Instagram, I believe in the power of visual communication with impact. I will always look for ways to inject subtext and meaning into whatever project I work on.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
JEN - NARRATIVE SHORT FILM - PRODUCER, GAFFER, EDITOR, Colorist
2024 Winner - Best Heartland Narrative Short - Kansas City Film Fest International
2024 Official Selection - Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival
2024 OFFICIAL SELECTION - THE MICHEAUX FILM FESTIVAL
2024 Official selection - Los Angeles lift-off festival
SPARK - NARRATIVE SHORT FILM - EDITOR, COLORIST
2024 Best Black Love Short Film - Urban Media-makers Film Festival
2024 official selection - Los Angeles Lift-off Film Festival
2024 finalist - Kansas City Underground Film Festival
Kickback chronicles - web series - Producer, DP, Editor, Colorist
2024 Official Selection - Denton Black Film Festival
2024 Official Selection - The Short Film Collective
Compression - short film - gaffer, editor
2020 Winner - Broadcast Educators Association
2020 official selection - BEA University Film & Video Association
2020 official Selection - Dayton Independent Film Festival
ZERO - DOCUMENTARY FEATURE - DIRECTOR
2019 Winner - Best Documentary - Ozark Mountain Webfest
2020 Winner - Award of Distinction - BEA Festival of Arts
FOR WOMEN LIKE YOU - NARRATIVE SHORT FILM - EDITOR, Colorist
2021 Selection - Queen City Shout Art Film Festival
2021 Honorable Mention - Broadcast Educators Association
POST MISERIAM - NARRATIVE SHORT FILM - DP, EDITOR, Colorist
2019 Winner - Missouri Broadcast Educators
2019 Selection - First Friday Film Festival Kansas City
2019 Selection - Rita House Film Festival Los Angeles
