Episode 108 - Testimony Series - Doors Only God Could Open
This episode is a part of our December Testimony series. A series of short testimonies of times that God showed up upon set or in ways related to the film-industry.
In this episode, Hannah Benson, a writer, actress, and content marketer, shares her journey. Raised in a creative, homeschooling family, Hannah recounts how her passion for faith-based films, like Courageous and Fireproof, stemmed from a young age. She sees her career as a testament to God's guidance and faithfulness, encouraging others to pursue their God-given dreams and remember the prayers God has answered.
Bio:
Hannah Benson is a writer, actress, and content marketer with a passion for telling stories glorifying God through film and the written word. As a writer, her work can be found in publications including The Rebelution, Her View From Home, and Inside Out Worldwide. Under the mentorship and guidance of George Escobar - Co-Producer, Co-Writer, and Co-Director of the feature film, "Alone Yet Not Alone"(Academy-Award nominated for Best Original Song), Hannah has written two novels and is currently pursuing publication. As an actor, she has portrayed a variety of onstage roles (including one which required her to learn an Indian accent). When she was 18 years old, Hannah auditioned for and landed a role in her first short film! "Long Sleeves" by Storm Storytelling went on to receive an award and garnered views on YouTube of 718K and climbing. More recently, she served as a grip and as a background actor on the set of the concept trailer for an upcoming feature film. Hannah also served on the marketing team for the Great American Prayer Event, working alongside former Senator and father of the Erwin Brothers, Hank Erwin; and George Escobar.
Hannah’s Website: https://www.hannahlbenson.com/
Hannah on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahlbensonwrites
Hannah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahlbensonwrites/
● FAFF Writers Retreat - Mexico: https://www.faffassociation.com/writers-retreat
● Jaclyn's Book - In the Beginning, Middle and End: A Screenwriter’s Observations of LIfe, Character, and God https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9R7XS9V
● VIP Producers Mentorship Program https://www.faffassociation.com/vip-producers-mentorship
The Faith & Family Filmmakers podcast helps filmmakers who share a Christian worldview stay in touch, informed, and inspired. Releasing new episodes every week, we interview experts from varying fields of filmmaking; from screenwriters, actors, directors, and producers, to film scorers, talent agents, and distributors.
It is produced and hosted by Geoffrey Whitt and Jaclyn Whitt , and is brought to you by the Faith & Family Filmmakers Association
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Faith and Family Screenwriting Academy: https://www.faffassociation.com/
Script Notes and Coaching: https://www.faffassociation.com/script-services
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Hello, my name is Hannah Benson, a writer, actress, and content marketer, and member of the Faith and Family Filmmakers Association.
Hannah Benson:When I first heard that Geoff and Jaclyn were looking for film related testimonies to share on their podcast, I remember thinking, that's a really cool idea, but I don't have a testimony.
Hannah Benson:So I walked away and planned to think nothing more of it until the Lord reminded me that I do have a testimony.
Hannah Benson:The truth is, the fact that I am in this industry at all is a testament to God's goodness and faithfulness.
Hannah Benson:Let me give you a little bit of backstory.
Hannah Benson:I grew up in a very creative family.
Hannah Benson:My siblings and I were homeschooled and we spent a lot of time making movies and telling stories.
Hannah Benson:I also remember watching movies like Courageous, Fireproof, Mom's Night Out, and so much more.
Hannah Benson:I don't know how to explain it, but every time I watched a movie like that, I felt drawn, and I think, looking back, I think it was a calling on my life.
Hannah Benson:All I knew was that I wanted to be part of making movies that glorified God and moved the viewer.
Hannah Benson:But how?
Hannah Benson:How does someone even step foot into an industry like this?
Hannah Benson:I know, I know, I know there are practical steps.
Hannah Benson:And somehow, each one of us has ended up in this industry.
Hannah Benson:And I know each of our journeys look different.
Hannah Benson:But as I look back at where I was as a 10 year old little girl with a passion in her heart and absolutely no idea where to even begin to where I am right now, years later, I look back and see doors only God could have opened.
Hannah Benson:I could have never imagined the people I've gotten to meet and work with.
Hannah Benson:Even if it were to be all over tomorrow and I didn't go any further or get to work on anything else, I'd still say God answered my prayers.
Hannah Benson:You know, God puts dreams on our hearts for a reason.
Hannah Benson:I don't know the specific dreams on your heart right now, but I just want to encourage you today that although there might be obstacles and it might be hard, alright, fine, I take that back.
Hannah Benson:There will be obstacles and it will be hard.
Hannah Benson:Nothing will stop his dreams for you from coming true.
Hannah Benson:I also want to encourage you to stop and remember It's good to come to the Lord with our requests.
Hannah Benson:In fact, He wants us to, but let us not forget to remember the prayers He has answered.
Hannah Benson:That's what I think this testimony series on the Faith and Family Filmmakers podcast is all about, remembering the goodness and faithfulness of God.