Filmed in the heart of New York City, Times Square, Ben: An Introduction is a short film that marries the new sensibilities of film with the New York films of the 70’s and film-noir. Ben: An Introduction was written and directed by Anthony Savini, a veteran DoP in film and television. His Co-directed feature, Mole, played at many festivals, won several awards, and was distributed in the United States. Producer Nikki Cruz has a long list of credits including The Wildflower and Mrs. Jones, both finalists at Tropfest 2008. Director of Photography Jonathan Nastasi is a rising star in the New York film industry. Ben: An Introduction’s ensemble cast, including the lead Earle Hugens, are some of New Yorks finest actors whose work has spanned over 25 years, from Shakespeare to the TV shows Damages and Rescue Me.

Ben has a history he’s avoiding. Once a proud beat cop with the NYPD, he is now a street sweeper in Times Square. He quietly goes about his days, ignored by most who pass, and this is how he likes it. When new evidence about the shooting death of his partner comes to light, Ben tries to keep his life as it is, but is eventually trapped by his past mistakes.
Each person Ben sees is like a ghost from his past. When Deja, his ex-lover and a prostitute, threatens his job and scolds him about his ex-wife, Ben slaps her, causing him to sink deeper and starts problems with the police.
As the night comes to an end, Ben is still running from his past, but with fewer places to go. When he witnesses a mugging, he is forced to make a decision; to confront his past and look for redemption, or live the life he has made.
Ben; An Introduction is a drama with it’s roots deeply planted in noir and the New York films of the 1970’s, where New York City becomes a character as we follow Ben through one very hard night.