Now streaming on Hulu.
Renn Wheeland returns home to Cleveland for his mother's funeral. Once there, he forges new relationships while healing old ones, before confronting his problems and trying to face his grief.
Director: Robert Schwartzman
Starring: Nick Jonas, Alexandra Shipp, Brittany Snow, Matt Walsh, David Arquette, and Elisabeth Shue
Music: Benjamin Messelbeck, Tyler Blake, and Robert Schwartzman
Hung Up On a Dream is the debut documentary from director Robert Schwartzman, who asked me to help with the score. Premiered at SXSW, available to stream in 2025 (Utopia).
In a community where silence is often seen as necessary for survival, undocumented activist Angy Rivera steps out of the shadows to share her parallel journey of being an undocumented immigrant and a victim of sexual assault. Don’t Tell Anyone (No Le Digas a Nadie) is a Peabody Award-Winning Documentary.
Directed by Mikaela Shwer
Original Score by Benjamin Messelbeck
Watch the film on PBS
Documentary feature available to stream on PBS SoCal.
Directed by J.D. Gonzales
Written by Esteban Gómez and Whitney Peterson
Edited by Ian Marks
Original Music Written, Performed, and Mixed by Benjamin Messelbeck
Filmed over the course of nine years, The Kids Are Not Alright is an intimate portrait of trauma following three families’ journeys as they work to shed light on the devastating impacts of institutional abuse, pursue healing in the absence of justice, and fight to hold abusers accountable.
Winner - Dances With Films NY Best Documentary Feature
Directed by Mikaela Shwer
Produced by Robyn Kopp, Alana Maiello, Kimberly Stuckwisch, Kate Logan
Cinematography by Autumn Eakin and Michael Beach Nichols
Edited by Veronica Pinkham and Will Allegra-Garofalo
Original Music Written, Performed and Mixed by Benjamin Messelbeck
VA: The Human Cost of War takes a broad look at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs- examining the organization's history, leadership, structure, funding and relationship to veterans.
Directed by Ric Burns
Original Score by Benjamin Messelbeck
Watch the film on PBS or Amazon Prime
Dirty Old Wedge is a documentary film that showcases the history of the Wedge starting from its creation in the 1930's as told by a unique assemblage of body surfers which has come to be known as the "Wedge Crew."
Winner: Best Documentary and Audience Awards at the Newport Beach Film Festival, International Surf Film Festival, and the London Surf Film Festival.
Directed by Tim Burnham
Original Score by Benjamin Messelbeck
Watch the film on Amazon Prime
Made for Each Other is a film from Steeplechase Films directed by Ric Burns and Bonnie Lafave.
Original Score: Benjamin Messelbeck, Brian Keane, and Marcus Bagala
Part of Water is a documentary that tells the story of fallen lifeguard, Ben Carlson, who lost his life in the line of duty while on a rescue during a huge swell. Through Ben's tragedy, the film tells the perilous story of ocean lifeguards around the world.
Directed by Tim Burnham and Jack Murgatroyd
Original Score by Benjamin Messelbeck
Watch the film on Amazon Prime
When he's sentenced to 90 days of house arrest, Bo meets Elliot, the awkward kid who lives across the street. While bonding over football, these unlikely friends teach each other a little bit about growing up and what it means to be a man. Starring Ted Welch, George Baron, Christine Woods, Stefanie Black, Mike Vogel, and Kate Upton.
Directed by Jacquie Phillips and Stefanie Black
Original Score by Benjamin Messelbeck
Watch the film on Amazon Prime
American Ballet Theatre: A History (PBS) | Additional Music Composed by Benjamin Messelbeck
Watch the film on PBS
Film and TV soundtrack work featured in My Blueberry Nights (StudioCanal), Lars & The Real Girl (MGM), Drop Dead Diva (Sony), and others.
Music co-written and performed by Benjamin Messelbeck
