Filmmaker on Inspiration, Sundance & Finding Your Story

Filmmaker Tony Benna is having a moment. His documentary, “André is an Idiot,” is premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, a feat he jokingly compares to winning the lottery given the notoriously competitive selection process. But the journey to Park City, Utah, is a winding one, rooted in a familial connection to filmmaking and a playful rebellion against expectations.

Benna’s path wasn’t a direct line. He initially assisted his older brother with documentary projects, but felt a pull toward something different. “As an act of rebellion, I quit documentaries and moved into animation and narrative work,” he explains. A quarter-century later, fate – and a compelling story – brought him right back to the documentary form. The irony isn’t lost on him.

From Animation to Authentic Voices

That initial foray into animation wasn’t simply a rejection of his brother’s work; it was a search for a unique storytelling language. Benna, who initially studied art, discovered the power of film to evoke immediate, profound emotional responses and even inspire change. “That storytelling, through both audio and visual together, could provoke instant deep, emotional responses, alter perspectives, and even change behavior,” he says. He believes filmmakers are essential because they offer diverse perspectives, fostering a greater understanding between people.

Benna’s creative influences lean toward artists who defied convention. He prefers to admire those who didn’t chase mainstream popularity, believing they are the ones who ultimately create truly unique work. He doesn’t name names, but suggests these are artists driven by an innate need to create, rather than a desire for commercial success.

A Childhood Imagination and a Ski Bum Dream

Beyond his artistic sensibilities, Benna possesses a surprisingly playful side. When asked what he’d do if he weren’t a filmmaker, he immediately jokes about opening an Italian deli, proudly referencing his family history and his self-proclaimed talent for crafting the perfect Italian sandwich with fresh ingredients from his garden. Failing that, he’d happily embrace the life of a “ski bum,” chasing powder days around the world. This seemingly whimsical answer hints at a core element of his storytelling: a childlike imagination.

That imagination, coupled with emotional intuition and empathy, is what Benna believes contributes most to his success as a storyteller. He’s able to push visual boundaries while forging authentic connections with his subjects and his audience. It’s a combination that clearly resonated with the Sundance selection committee.

Sundance and a Fortuitous Text

This year marks Benna’s first submission to, and acceptance into, the Sundance Film Festival. He learned of his acceptance in a particularly poignant moment, while discussing the film’s struggles with his father. “I happened to be sitting with my father in my hometown, lamenting about the trials and tribulations of this film. I even told him that I thought I’d made a huge mistake and that I might be quitting the film industry altogether,” he recounts. A text message from a producer – “Shit’s happening; check your email” – changed everything. His father’s response? “I’m proud of you. Maybe this is a sign you didn’t develop a mistake.”

Benna’s excitement about Sundance is also fueled by his admiration for past festival selections. He specifically cites American Movie (1999) as a formative influence. He was struck by its ability to blend comedy and tragedy, and by the relatability of Mark Borchardt’s struggle to create art with limited resources. “It was eye-opening,” he says, remembering feeling a sense of solidarity with Borchardt and his crew, armed with “nothing but a dream, a camera, hot glue, and duct tape.” He also fondly remembers Mike Schank, a key figure in the film.

The Quay Brothers’ Influence

While Benna doesn’t explicitly name his creative heroes, his work shares a certain aesthetic kinship with the Quay Brothers, Stephen and Timothy Quay. These American identical twin brothers, known for their stop-motion animation, have influenced a generation of filmmakers, including Christopher Nolan, Tim Burton, and Wes Anderson. Their work, often described as esoteric and visually striking, explores themes of memory, identity, and the uncanny. The Quay Brothers, who reside and work in England, received the 1998 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Set Design for their work on the play The Chairs.

What’s Next for “André is an Idiot”

Following its premiere at Sundance, “André is an Idiot” will be seeking distribution. The festival provides a crucial platform for independent filmmakers to connect with potential buyers and reach a wider audience. Benna’s experience underscores the unpredictable nature of the film industry, and the importance of perseverance. He entered the festival knowing acceptance was a long shot, but ultimately decided to “roll the dice,” a fitting attitude for someone who describes himself as “a 6-year-old stuck inside an adult body.” The film’s journey from a personal project to a Sundance selection is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling and a little bit of luck.