The critically acclaimed short film Where The Children Go To Play is the latest powerful work from Twin Pine Productions, the rising independent film studio founded by producer Alex Benton. Known for redefining how independent films are financed, developed, and distributed across the African diaspora, Twin Pine continues its mission to elevate underrepresented voices with stories that are both bold and socially resonant.
Set in a chilling near-future, Where The Children Go To Play follows two young candidates forced through a psychological and moral evaluation by synthetic proctors, hyper-intelligent androids that judge humanity with precision but no empathy. The film, directed by Jada George and produced by Alex Benton and Joshua Montrel, examines survival, faith, and identity in an era where technology decides human worth.
“This project embodies everything Twin Pine stands for: bold storytelling, thought-provoking commentary, and an unwavering commitment to empowering new voices,” says founder and producer Alex Benton . “We set out to craft a film that’s not only visually captivating but also a mirror to the systems that define and challenge who we are..”
A Howard University graduate and Harvard Business School alum, Benton is a visionary force behind Twin Pine Productions, created to merge culture and commerce through emotionally rich, globally relevant storytelling that echoes far beyond the screen.
His producing partner Joshua Montrel, a filmmaker and policy analyst from New Orleans, also a Howard University graduate with a BA in Political Science and Film and more recently an MPA at Tulane University, brings a socially grounded lens to every project. His work often explores themes of justice reform, climate change, and technology’s moral consequences.
Together, Benton and Montrel have produced three acclaimed projects in the past two years; Where The Children Go To Play, WaterPark, and Time II: Unfinished Business, the powerful sequel to the Oscar-nominated documentary Time. Despite operating outside traditional Hollywood systems, their projects have achieved festival success, critical praise, and growing industry attention.
“Our mission is simple” adds Montrel. We hope to not only tell stories that entertain. But also create films such as WTCGTP that act as a reminder that art can still stir conscience, spark dialogue, and transform the world around us.
By merging Benton’s leadership in intellectual property acquisitions with Montrel’s expertise in public policy, they’re redefining the landscape of independent cinema by building a model that is visionary, collaborative, and driven by purpose.
UPCOMING FILM FESTIVALS:
- The Micheaux Film Festival: Friday October 24th, 2 PM PST at The Culver Theater
Previous Festival Acceptances & Premieres Include: The Academy Award-Qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival, The Academy Award-Qualifying BronzeLens Film Festival, Echelon (Best Short Film) Diversity in Cannes Short Film Showcase, International Black Film Festival, Baltimore International Black Film Festival,Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival, Southern Shorts Awards, Echelon Film Festival, Brooklyn Sci-Fi Film Festival, & Flickers Vortex Film Festival.
ABOUT:
Twin Pine Productions was founded and launched by Alex Benton in late 2023 as a platform to develop, produce and finance an array of scripted and unscripted films, television series, and digital content
