An intersection in Leimert Park was dedicated Sunday as Ben Caldwell Square in honor of the independent filmmaker and educator who has spent over four decades as a fixture of Leimert Park’s arts and culture scene.
Caldwell was joined in speaking at the 9:30 a.m. ceremony at the corner of 43rd Place and Leimert Boulevard by Councilwoman Heather Hutt, who introduced the motion designating the square in Caldwell’s honor, and other community leaders.
Caldwell’s interest in film began in his youth in New Mexico when he helped his grandfather project films at a small theater. While serving in the U.S Army during the Vietnam War, Caldwell documented the lives of his fellow soldiers.
Following his service, Caldwell received a master’s degree in film from UCLA in 1976.
Caldwell was a founding member of the L.A. Rebellion, a groundbreaking movement of African American filmmakers who sought to change the image of Black people from the stereotypes prevalent in the film industry.
He created culturally focused and experimental films such as “Madea,” “I & I: An African Allegory,” and “Water Ritual #1: An Urban Rite of Purification,” which explored the depth of Black culture in Los Angeles.
Caldwell has described his artistic philosophy as creating “cultural” rather than “political” films with the belief his art should bring people closer together.
Caldwell founded the KAOS Network, a community arts center, in 1984 in Leimert Park where he has mentored Black artists, creatives and technologists.
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